Hundreds of travellers were left stranded at major Kenyan airports after a strike by air traffic controllers and other aviation workers disrupted flight operations across the country.
Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa were severely affected, with passengers forced to wait for hours as airlines struggled to manage delays and cancellations.
Among those affected were Daystar University students scheduled to travel to South Korea for an academic trip. Their journey was disrupted by the industrial action, adding to growing concerns over the impact of the strike on travellers.
The disruption involves workers from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), who are demanding better pay, improved working conditions and increased staffing levels.
The workers say they have raised concerns over their remuneration and working conditions for years. KCAA employees, in particular, say they have not received a salary review since July 1, 2015.
The industrial action has resulted in missed connections, disrupted travel plans and additional costs for passengers. Families travelling with children and travellers connecting to international destinations have been among those facing significant challenges.
Airlines have been forced to reorganise flight schedules as the disruption continues, while tour operators and airport taxi businesses report financial losses due to the reduced movement of passengers.
The Kenya Airports Authority has called for dialogue between the parties, warning that a prolonged disruption could have wider consequences for passengers, airlines and the country’s aviation sector.
Management says efforts are underway to minimise the impact of the industrial action as negotiations continue.
With both sides yet to reach an agreement, attention is now turning to the relevant government ministries and transport stakeholders to intervene and broker an urgent resolution to the dispute.
