Passengers Trapped at Nairobi’s JKIA as Strike Halts Flights

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:46:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hundreds of travelers wait for hours at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as a nationwide worker strike forces flights to cancel, sending Kenya into travel chaos.

A strike by aviation sector workers has left passengers stranded at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The disruption has caused delays of more than six hours and led carriers such as Kenya Airways and RwandAir to cancel flights. Travelers have been stuck in check‑in areas for up to a dozen hours, with some spending the night on terminals. The strike stems from unresolved demands for better working conditions and a promised deal, marking the second day the airport has faced major operational setbacks.

Passengers Trapped at Nairobi’s JKIA as Strike Halts Flights

Hundreds of travelers found themselves stuck in the check‑in halls of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) yesterday after the new wave of industrial action by aviation staff shut down flights for the second straight day. The enforcement of a nationwide go‑slow strike, driven by workers demanding improved conditions and the implementation of an agreed contract, left airlines scrambling to manage schedules.

Kenya Airways, the country’s flagship carrier, announced that it faced delays exceeding six hours due to the stoppage of air traffic control operations. According to the airline’s statement, a backlog forced the cancellation of several departures, and the company offered free rebooking for passengers who wish to change flights without incurring penalties.

RwandAir also confirmed the cancellation of two flights that were supposed to depart from JKIA, citing continued “operational constraints affecting air traffic control services.” Earlier cancellations on Sunday have compounded the queue of affected passengers.

One stranded traveler, 22‑year‑old William Obino, told AFP that the lack of timely updates was “ruining our itinerary.” A commuter whose flight to Florida was cancelled would have to wait until the next available slot, reportedly tomorrow night, he added in an interview.

The strike is a continuation of earlier disputes in February that spanned collective bargaining issues and the use of volunteers at the airport. Strike officials claim unresolved concerns remain that prompted industrial action.

JKIA, Nairobi’s primary aviation hub, played a crucial role in regional connectivity, handling about nine million passengers last year. The airport’s repeated labour confrontations underscore the challenges faced by Kenyan aviation’s workforce.

What to do if you’re stuck: Airlines are offering passenger rebooking without penalties. Check their websites or call customer service for immediate assistance. Await further announcements from the airport authority about new flight windows.

The ongoing disruption highlights the importance of consensus between workers and airport operators. A rapid resolution is essential to restore smooth operations throughout the capital’s key gateway.