Aviation strike ends: KQ discourages passengers from heading to airport without checking flight status

Kenya Airways (KQ) has advised passengers to verify their flight status before arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following the conclusion of a two-day aviation workers’ strike. The strike, organized by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), came to an end on September 1, 2026, after KAWU and relevant employers reached an agreement on key labor issues.

To resume operations at the country’s main aviation hub, affected workers have been directed to return to their jobs. KAWU’s Return-to-Work Agreement addresses agency fees, negotiations for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), a dispute over union recognition involving Jambojet, and protection for workers who took part in the industrial action.

KQ has cautioned travelers to avoid heading to the airport without first checking whether their flights are operating. The airline urges passengers to consult their flight status via the KQ Mobile App or website prior to leaving for the airport. Additionally, KQ has urged passengers to update their contact details through the "Manage Booking" feature to receive the most current information about their flights.

If travelers have no updates, KQ advises them not to travel to the airport. KAWU has suspended the strike and instructed its members to resume their regular duties immediately after the Return-to-Work Agreement was signed. While KAWU has reservations about the new guidelines set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for CBA negotiations, the union has committed to raising its concerns during the talks.

KCAA has pledged to negotiate in good faith and implement the outcome of the negotiations. With the strike now over, KQ has encouraged passengers to rely on confirmed flight updates as airlines work to restore normal schedules.