Major aviation and tourism stakeholders have issued a joint call to action as labor disputes continue to destabilize airport operations across the country. According to coverage on Khusoko, industrial action involving air traffic control personnel has disrupted flight schedules and left hundreds of travelers stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In a joint statement, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), and the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) warned that unmitigated disruptions threaten safety, vital supply chains, and Kenya’s position as a regional flight hub.
Drawing attention to the financial toll of past disruptions, KAAO highlighted that during similar industrial action on February 16 and 17, operators recorded 150 flight cancellations, 382 delays, and approximately $5.1 million in direct losses. Industry bodies caution that a second major operational disruption within the same year demonstrates that temporary settlements have failed to deliver long-term sector resilience.
Government Apologises, Confirms Active Talks
The Government formally responded. In a press release issued on Monday, August 31, 2026, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs apologised for the disruption and confirmed it is engaged with all parties to reach a resolution. The statement acknowledged the significant impact on passengers, airlines, businesses, and Kenya’s international connectivity, and named the safe, orderly restoration of normal airport operations as its immediate priority.
It also described JKIA as a critical national gateway for trade, tourism, investment, diplomacy, and regional connectivity, and pledged a further update as discussions progress.
Adding to the government’s response, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei posted directly on X:
“We convey our sincere apologies to travelers for inconvenience caused by the ongoing industrial action at JKIA and assure that government is doing what it can to reach an amicable settlement on this matter.”
Airlines Cancel Flights as Go-Slow Halts Traffic
The current paralysis stems from a labour dispute led by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), which entered its second day. The dispute involves Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff alongside ground personnel, severely constraining airspace capacity at JKIA and secondary domestic hubs.
Carriers operating out of JKIA have been forced to overhaul schedules, adjust fuel loads, or suspend services altogether:
- Kenya Airways: The flag carrier reported departure delays exceeding six hours, alongside emergency reroutings and cancellations.
- Safarilink Aviation: The regional operator cancelled its afternoon domestic and regional routes, pulling services to Entebbe, Lamu, Malindi, Diani, and Kisumu.
- RwandAir: The airline cancelled scheduled flights WB402 and WB403 between Kigali and Nairobi, citing operational constraints within air traffic control services.
Advisory Issued for Affected Travelers
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) issued an urgent advisory asking travelers not to report to departure terminals without prior verification.
“Due to ongoing disruptions affecting flight operations, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines and confirm their flight status before travelling to the airport,” KAA stated. “We regret the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.”
Travelers with upcoming bookings through JKIA are advised to confirm flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport, and to keep an eye on official government and KAA channels for updates as mediation continues. For the latest on how the dispute is evolving hour by hour, see Khusoko’s earlier report: JKIA Grinds to a Crawl as Aviation Workers Resume Their Go Slow.
What’s Driving the Dispute
The ongoing action reflects unresolved disputes surrounding collective bargaining agreements, staffing levels, and working conditions across aviation agencies.
As mediation efforts continue, aviation groups maintain that immediate, coordinated action remains essential to restore confidence, protect regional connectivity, and safeguard the broader economy.
With the government now on record apologising and committing to an “amicable settlement,” attention turns to how quickly talks between KAWU, aviation agencies, and the Ministry can convert that pledge into restored flight schedules — before losses from this round of industrial action begin to approach the levels recorded in February.
For continuing coverage of this story and other travel and leisure updates, visit Khusoko’s Travel & Leisure section.
