Kenya Airways (KQ) has warned passengers about potential delays and cancellations due to an ongoing strike by workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
The strike began on Tuesday night and disrupted flight operations for both incoming and outgoing passengers.
In a customer notice released on Wednesday morning, KQ acknowledged the strike's impact on its services, stating, "Due to the industrial action by some JKIA staff, we are experiencing delays and possible cancellations of certain flights." The airline assured passengers that it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates on affected flights as it unfolds.
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The strike, organized by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), is in response to a controversial government plan to lease JKIA to India’s Adani Group for 30 years. The proposed deal, worth $1.85 billion (Ksh. 242 billion), has sparked fears among workers about potential job losses.
Scenes of confusion were reported at JKIA early Wednesday, with images and videos circulating on social media showing long lines of passengers attempting to retrieve their luggage amid delays at airport entry points.
While President William Ruto's government argues that the lease is crucial for modernizing and improving JKIA, workers are concerned about the long-term implications, particularly regarding employment security.
JKIA, East Africa's busiest airport, is a critical hub for Kenya Airways and other major carriers like Emirates, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. In 2022-2023, the airport handled 8.8 million passengers and 380,000 tonnes of cargo, making it a vital gateway for the country and the region.
