Flight Delays at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Flights arriving and departing from Kenya's principal airport are experiencing significant delays due to a strike initiated by workers in the aviation sector, according to statements from the national airline and the airports authority.
Departures from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, one of Africa's busiest transport hubs, have been postponed by as much as four hours.
Passengers have reported remaining seated on aircraft for prolonged periods as pilots await clearance to depart.
Kenya Airways issued a statement acknowledging the situation, noting it was facing "air traffic control operational delays affecting certain departures and arrivals." The airline emphasized its collaboration with authorities to reduce disruptions and ensure safe operations.
"Passengers are advised to expect possible schedule adjustments, including delays,"the airline stated, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused.
Strike Action and Its Impact
The current disruptions follow a strike warning issued a week earlier by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), citing grievances over pay and poor working conditions.
KAWU Secretary-General Moss Ndiema informed the local Daily Nation news outlet that the strike commenced at 06:00 local time (03:00 GMT), affecting passengers and airlines nationwide.
"There's a big backlog. Planes are hardly leaving the airports,"Ndiema was quoted as saying.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) stated it has implemented contingency plans at the airport and urged passengers to stay in contact with their airlines for updates.
Workers' Grievances and Ongoing Disputes
Aviation sector employees have accused the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) of obstructing salary negotiations, delaying union remittances, and practicing discrimination.
They further allege that the management of KCAA has demonstrated an unwillingness to resolve labor disputes that have persisted for over ten years.
Last week, KCAA sought a court order to prevent the strike. A labor court judge temporarily suspended the strike pending further instructions expected next week.
In a statement released on Monday, KCAA confirmed it is actively engaging relevant parties "in line with applicable labour laws and court directions."
"In light of the planned strike,"the statement added,
"it was activating measures to ensure aviation safety and service stability."
Additional reporting by Richard Kagoe
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