Flights in and out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on Monday 16 February 2026, one of Africa’s busiest transport hubs, have been delayed following a planned strike by aviation industry workers. Departing flights have been delayed by up to four hours, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Kenya Airways said the airline was experiencing " air traffic control operational delays affecting certain departures and arrivals " and was working with authorities to minimise disruptions. " Passengers are advised to expect possible schedule adjustments, including delays ," Kenya

Flights in and out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on Monday 16 February 2026, one of Africa’s busiest transport hubs, have been delayed following a planned strike by aviation industry workers. Departing flights have been delayed by up to four hours, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.

Kenya Airways said the airline was experiencing "air traffic control operational delays affecting certain departures and arrivals" and was working with authorities to minimise disruptions.

"Passengers are advised to expect possible schedule adjustments, including delays," Kenya Airways said, apologising for the inconvenience.

The strike was initiated by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), citing stalled salary negotiations, delayed union remittances, poor working conditions, and alleged discrimination by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema said:

"There's a big backlog. Planes are hardly leaving the airports."

The labour action, which began at 06:00 local time, has forced some passengers to remain seated on aircraft for extended periods while pilots awaited clearance. A Kenyan senator travelling from Kisumu, Boni Khalwale, said:

"This KCAA strike is really biting! Been forced to hit the road after many hours at the airport, waiting in vain."

Other travelers expressed frustration:

"Passengers at JKIA are currently experiencing the true meaning of patience and character development. If you have a flight today, just carry a mattress because you might be living at the airport."

Passengers wait for their delayed flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Credit: AP/Brian Inganga

Canadian tourist Trent Bryski said his trip to Uganda was disrupted and his birthday celebrations in Entebbe were cancelled due to the strike.

“Actually, we are not supposed to be out here because our visa says that we have left, so they gave us a special letter, and we don't know when we are leaving again,” he told The Associated Press.

Another passenger, Linda Chebet, said she had to rearrange her plans after flight delays prevented her from seeing her mother off to Eldoret.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) said contingency measures were activated to maintain safety and service stability, urging passengers to contact airlines for updates. KCAA confirmed it was engaging all relevant parties "in line with applicable labour laws and court directions" and noted that a labour court had temporarily suspended the strike pending further guidance.

JKIA is a major regional and international hub, serving as a gateway between Africa and the world. Last year, the airport handled about nine million passengers.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a major regional and international hub

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