A workers’ strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya’s busiest aviation hub, has led to widespread flight delays and stranded travelers on Monday, February 16, 2026, as aviation employees downed their tools.
The industrial action was called by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) amid long-standing disputes with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) over pay, working conditions and stalled collective bargaining negotiations. Union members walked off the job despite efforts by the KCAA to activate contingency plans aimed at keeping essential aviation operations running.
The strike caused significant disruption to both departures and arrivals, forcing airlines including national carrier Kenya Airways to urge passengers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport. Thousands of passengers were seen waiting outside terminals or stuck inside waiting areas with little information on rescheduled departures.
Several travelers reported major inconvenience, including delayed connections and disrupted travel plans. Some foreign visitors described confusion over visas and onward travel arrangements as they awaited updates.
Airport authorities say they are engaging with the union in dialogue to resolve the dispute, and have emphasized that critical safety and air traffic functions remain active under operational contingency measures.
The industrial action underscores ongoing labor tensions in Kenya’s aviation sector and highlights how strikes at key transport hubs can ripple through regional travel networks and affect both business and leisure travel.