Operations at Kenya’s main international airport are expected to gradually return to normal after aviation workers agreed to resume duties following two days of strike action that caused widespread flight disruptions.
The strike, which affected flights across the country, led to cancellations, delays and diversions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs. Some passengers reported being stranded at the airport for more than 20 hours.
Kenya’s transport ministry said it had overseen urgent negotiations with aviation unions and other stakeholders, resulting in an agreement for workers to return to work immediately.
“Aviation contributes immensely to the economy of the country and we are committed to ensure that the sector remains stable,” Transport Minister Davies Chirchir said in a statement.
Despite the agreement, passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for updated flight schedules before travelling to the airport, as operations resume gradually.
The disruption affected all flights, with some airlines cancelling services entirely. Premier Airlines, which operates direct flights between Nairobi and South Sudan’s capital, Juba, cancelled all operations on Tuesday due to the strike.
The Kenya Airline Pilots Association warned earlier that prolonged disruption could affect crew scheduling and rest periods, increasing fatigue-related risks.
The strike was triggered by long-standing grievances over pay and working conditions. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) said the action stemmed from delays in concluding a collective bargaining agreement, alongside concerns over salary negotiations, union remittances and alleged discrimination.
Aviation workers accused the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) of stalling talks and failing to resolve labour disputes that have persisted for more than a decade. Last week, KCAA sought a court order to halt the strike, but a labour court judge suspended the action pending further directions expected next week.
Following the ministry’s intervention, authorities said all parties had agreed to resume work immediately, with further round-table discussions planned to address outstanding issues.
JKIA serves as a key gateway between Africa and Europe, North America and the Middle East. Kenyan authorities say the airport handled around nine million passengers last year.