Kenya’s aviation industry is moving to restore normal flight operations after a two-day strike disrupted travel through Nairobi and spilled over into other parts of East Africa.

The action at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport left passengers facing delays and cancellations, while airlines serving Kenya and other regional destinations were forced to adjust their schedules.

The disruption was particularly significant for Nairobi, one of East Africa’s main air transport hubs.

Flights connecting Kenya with Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia and Mauritius were affected as airlines dealt with problems linked to operations in Nairobi.

Kenya’s aviation workers ended the strike Tuesday after reaching a return-to-work agreement with airport and civil aviation authorities and Jambojet, allowing negotiations over outstanding labor issues to continue.

Workers return as talks continue

Transport Minister Davis Chirchir said the agreement provides a framework for resolving outstanding issues, including three collective bargaining agreements that have been suspended since 2015.

Moss Ndiema, secretary general of the Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union, urged members to return to their posts and help clear the backlog of flights.

“We are simply calling off our strike action,” Ndiema said, asking workers to begin restoring services.

Long-running labor disputes

The union’s grievances include delayed salary reviews, the lack of a collective bargaining agreement at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, a dispute over union dues at the Kenya Airports Authority and claims of victimization involving Jambojet workers.

The strike also highlighted the wider impact of labor disputes at Kenya’s airports.

Passengers reported spending hours waiting for information as flights were delayed or canceled, while airlines worked to reorganize schedules.

Nairobi hub faces renewed pressure

The Kenya Airports Authority operates the country’s main airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which serves as a major gateway for Kenya and a key connection point for regional and international flights.

Kenya’s aviation authorities and airlines must now work through the remaining backlog as employees return to duty.

The parties have agreed to continue negotiations, with the focus shifting from the immediate disruption to resolving the labor disputes that led to the strike.