Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were severely disrupted after a labour strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) halted flights, raising concerns about the resilience of one of East Africa’s key transport and logistics hubs.
The strike began at 6 a.m. (GMT +03:00) following a dispute over the implementation of a collective bargaining agreement. Workers are demanding improved pay, benefits, and better working conditions. KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema said the action is a response to stalled negotiations and unresolved grievances with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
In a statement, the Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) warned the public that departing flights are experiencing delays due to the ongoing labour action. Airlines including Jambojet, iFly, and Kenya Airways notified passengers of disruptions, though no timeline has been given for a return to normal schedules.
JKIA serves as a vital gateway for high-value cargo, particularly electronics and ICT imports. Kenya imported $1.1 billion worth of electrical and electronic equipment in 2024, mostly via air freight. Delays at the airport threaten just-in-time deliveries and could ripple across the digital economy, affecting startups, multinational tech companies, and cross-border talent mobility.
The KCAA said it has activated continuity measures and will engage stakeholders in line with labour laws. The union, however, accused the regulator of delaying union remittances and failing to resolve long-standing labour disputes. A court had temporarily suspended the strike on February 13, but workers proceeded with the action.
JKIA transported 8.6 million passengers in 2025 and functions as a key link between East Africa, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The airport also supports time-sensitive exports, such as horticulture, and is central to Kenya’s plan to expand freight capacity to one million tonnes by 2030.
The strike recalls tensions from September 2024, when KAWU opposed a 30-year lease deal with India’s Adani Group, fearing job losses and governance issues. The proposal was later withdrawn.
Prolonged disruption at JKIA could affect supply chains, business travel, and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting the fragility of Kenya’s aviation and digital infrastructure.