Kenyan Airport workers end strike, Operations resume at Nairobi hub
Aviation workers in Kenya have called off their strike, agreeing to return to work on the second day of industrial action that caused widespread chaos at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
The strike led to significant flight cancellations, delays, and diversions at one of Africa’s busiest transport hubs, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded for over 20 hours.
The breakthrough followed urgent talks mediated by the transport ministry between unions and aviation authorities. “We are committed to ensure that the sector remains stable,” Transport Minister Davies Chirchir said Wednesday, confirming all parties had agreed to an immediate resumption of duties and further round-table discussions.
Operations at JKIA are expected to gradually normalize, though passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for updated schedules.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union initiated the strike over pay disputes and poor working conditions.
Workers accused the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority of stalling salary negotiations and delaying union remittances.
The Kenya Airline Pilots Association had also raised safety concerns regarding crew fatigue due to the disruptions.
The labor dispute, which workers claimed had persisted for over a decade, had prompted the authority to seek court orders against the strike earlier this week.
Following the ministry’s intervention, the parties have committed to dialogue to resolve the grievances.
