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Passengers stranded overnight by Kenya airport strike
The union said negotiations were ongoing as flights were delayed and cancelled, leaving passengers waiting for hours.
On Monday, August 31, 2026, flight delays at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport affected thousands of travellers as a go-slow strike by aviation workers entered its second day, with the main union confirming negotiations are ongoing.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union launched the job action over grievances including stalled collective bargaining agreements and the use of National Youth Service volunteers, citing lack of cooperation from aviation authorities.
Hundreds of travellers remain stranded overnight, including rabbi Mendel Goldman, who spent 12 hours waiting. Traveller William Obino, 22, told AFP, "Nothing is happening, updates are reaching us late. It's ruining our itinerary."
Following failed talks on Sunday, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema confirmed the strike action remains active, stating "In the meantime, the strike action is still on." Engagements resume Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Multiple strikes have disrupted the facility in recent years as workers push for better conditions, affecting regional carriers like RwandAir and Kenya Airways. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport remains vital to African tourism trade.
In Kenya, airport workers' strike causes flight delays for thousands of passengersA strike by workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has delayed and canceled flights. Talks between the union and the authorities over demands are ongoing.