Kenya's aviation sector in limbo as flights grounded, travellers stranded over strike

Kenya Airways is advising passengers to refrain from arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) until their flight schedules have been confirmed, due to ongoing disruptions caused by a strike among Air Traffic Control (ATC) workers. The airline revealed on Monday, August 31, that delays of over six hours have been occurring as a result of the ongoing industrial action and a mounting flight backlog.

To mitigate the impact on travelers, Kenya Airways has begun rescheduling and canceling certain flights, with teams operating around the clock to address the situation.

The carrier is urging customers to verify their flight status through their official website or mobile application before departing for JKIA. Additionally, passengers are being asked to update their contact details via the Manage Booking option on the airline's website or app to ensure they receive timely notifications about any changes to their flights. Those whose travel plans have been affected can reschedule or change their flights without incurring a penalty, according to Kenya Airways.

The airline has proactively adjusted its flight schedule as the circumstances evolve, aiming to minimize the disruption's effect on customers. This latest setback is part of a series of industrial actions by aviation workers that have targeted air traffic control operations at JKIA. The prolonged delays have resulted in significant queues and alterations to scheduled flights at the nation's primary international gateway.

Kenya Airways has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains their utmost priority. The company has requested that travelers exercise patience and rely on official flight-status updates prior to arriving at JKIA. For those with flights scheduled for Monday, the immediate recommendation is to confirm their flight status, ensure their contact information is up-to-date, and only proceed to the airport after confirming their flight.