KENYA AVIATION WORKERS SUSPEND STRIKE AFTER TWO DAYS OF FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS

Aviation workers in Kenya have called off a two-day strike that disrupted flight operations at the country’s main international airport and caused delays and cancellations across parts of East Africa.

The industrial action, which began on Sunday, August 30, largely involved air traffic controllers and affected operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, leaving several passengers stranded and forcing airlines to adjust their schedules.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union announced the suspension of the strike on Tuesday after reaching a return-to-work agreement with the Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and Jambojet, the low-cost subsidiary of Kenya Airways.

Union Secretary-General Moss Ndiema directed workers to resume their duties and begin the process of restoring normal airport operations. He also called on staff already on duty to commence the clearance of flights as services gradually return to normal.

The strike was triggered by several longstanding grievances between the union and aviation authorities. Among the issues raised were delays in salary reviews, the absence of collective bargaining agreements, a dispute over union dues and allegations that some union members had been victimised by Jambojet.

Transport Minister Davis Chirchir said the parties had agreed on a framework for addressing the outstanding issues, particularly three collective bargaining agreements that have reportedly remained suspended since 2015. Negotiations on the unresolved matters will continue following the workers' return to duty.

The disruption had consequences beyond Kenya, with airlines operating routes to countries including Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Burundi and Mauritius reportedly forced to cancel or reschedule some flights because of the situation at Nairobi's airport.

Passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport were left waiting for hours for updates during the disruption, while several travellers complained about the financial and logistical consequences of delayed and cancelled flights.

The latest industrial action has renewed concerns about recurring labour disputes within Kenya's aviation sector. A similar strike earlier in the year had also disrupted operations at the major Nairobi airport.

With the latest agreement now in place, aviation authorities and the workers' union are expected to focus on resolving the outstanding labour issues while gradually restoring normal flight schedules and airport services.

The return to work is expected to ease pressure on passengers and airlines, although some delays and schedule adjustments may persist as operators work to clear the backlog created during the two-day disruption.