“Passengers stranded at Kenyan airports after aviation workers strike”, 30 August 2026

Hundreds of passengers have been left stranded at airports across the country following a strike by air traffic controllers and airport authority staff. The workers are demanding improved welfare, better working conditions and the implementation of previously agreed employment benefits. The industrial action has disrupted flight operations, with several airlines delaying or rescheduling flights. A standard morning travel schedule quickly turned into a nightmare for hundreds of travellers across major Kenyan airports. From the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to Moi International Airport in Mombasa, operations ground to a near halt. The usually busy departure area was unusually quiet, with hundreds of passengers forced to wait for hours as the strike by air traffic controllers and Kenya airport authority staff disrupted normal airport operations. Airlines have been forced to delay some flights…

The disruption follows a go slow by air traffic controllers and other airport staff from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Kenya Airports Authority. The workers say they have been pushing for better remuneration, improved working conditions, and adequate staffing “We agreed on a framework for each employer to sit down and handle the grievances. Apart from KAA, the other three refused to address our issues, which forced us to issue another strike notice on Friday,” said KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema.

Kenya Airport Authority has called for dialogue between the parties, warning that prolonged disruption could have wider consequences for passengers, airlines and the aviation industry. Management says efforts are being made to minimize the impact of the strike while negotiations continue…