Kenya: Nairobi Airport Faces Flight Delays due to Worker Strike

Kenya’s main international gateway experienced operational strain on Monday, February 16, 2026, as a planned strike by aviation workers disrupted flight schedules and air traffic control flows.

The industrial action exposed how labor disputes can quickly translate into systemic bottlenecks at critical transport nodes. Airlines adjusted schedules, passengers faced extended waits, and authorities moved to contain knock-on effects.

Kenya Airways issued a travel advisory, warning customers that air traffic control (ATC) delays were affecting both departures and arrivals.

“Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport without a confirmed flight status,” the carrier said, signaling immediate uncertainty across its network.

Air Traffic Control Bottleneck

Kenya Airways stated that ATC operation delays were forcing schedule adjustments. The disruption was not limited to a single carrier.

Other airlines, including Tanzania’s Precision Air, reported similar constraints. Some flights experienced delays of up to 4 hours or more, reflecting the centrality of ATC services to runway sequencing and airspace management.

When controllers or technical staff reduce activity, throughput declines sharply regardless of aircraft availability or airport slot allocation.

Labor Dispute Escalation Dynamics

The strike followed a seven-day notice issued the previous week by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU). Workers cited implementation issues surrounding a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), along with demands for better pay, improved working conditions, enhanced benefits, and resolution of grievances such as delayed salary payments and restructuring concerns.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) sought a court injunction to block the walkout, but the effort failed to prevent the action.

Contingency Planning Under Stress

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) said it activated contingency measures designed to minimize disruptions and maintain essential operations.

The authority emphasized engagement with stakeholders and openness to dialogue aimed at resolving the dispute. Such measures typically include supervisory staffing, revised shift allocations, and prioritization of critical flights.

However, contingency frameworks have limits when core operational functions - particularly ATC - are constrained.

Hub Vulnerability and Ripple Effects

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) functions as a major hub for regional and international travel, trade, and tourism, handling millions of passengers and cargo annually. Delays at JKIA can cascade across East African routes, affecting aircraft rotations, crew duty times, and connecting itineraries.

Even short-duration disruptions can require multi-day schedule normalization due to fleet positioning and slot coordination.

Authorities, including KCAA leadership, indicated that talks were ongoing and that restoration of schedules would proceed in a structured, prioritized manner.