Kenya Airways has warned passengers of significant flight disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following an ongoing strike by aviation workers across the country. The national carrier said the industrial action has affected airport operations, resulting in flight delays of more than six hours and forcing the airline to reschedule some flights as it works to clear the resulting backlog.
Passengers Urged to Confirm Flights Before Heading to Airport
In a statement issued on Monday, Kenya Airways advised passengers to avoid travelling to the airport unless they have confirmed their flight and checked the latest status. The airline also urged travellers to ensure their contact details are updated so they can receive timely notifications regarding changes to their flights.
Passengers who wish to change their travel dates have also been encouraged to contact the airline and reschedule their flights. Kenya Airways said affected customers would be allowed to make changes without paying rescheduling penalties. The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused by the disruptions and said its teams were working to restore normal operations and clear the accumulated flight backlog.
Aviation Workers Begin Nationwide Industrial Action
The disruption follows industrial action launched on Sunday by aviation workers affiliated with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU). The workers began implementing go-slows at airports across the country as part of their push for improved working conditions and better employee welfare.
Among their demands is the implementation of employment benefits that workers say had previously been agreed upon. The industrial action has affected airport operations, with passengers reporting delays and uncertainty over scheduled flights. Several airlines have been forced to delay or reschedule flights as airport operations continue to experience disruptions.
Passengers Stranded at Airports
The strike has left travellers facing lengthy delays at airports across Kenya. Some passengers were forced to spend extended periods at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as they waited for updates on their flights, while others had their travel plans disrupted by cancellations and rescheduling.
The situation is expected to remain challenging until an agreement is reached between the aviation workers and relevant authorities. Kenya Airways has maintained that it is closely monitoring the situation and working with its teams to minimise the impact of the disruption on passengers. Travellers have been urged to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and remain alert for communication from their respective airlines.
