Aviation workers’ strike ends: Kenya Airways warns of delays as it clears flight backlog

Kenya Airways has announced that its two-day strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has ended, but passengers can still anticipate delays as the airline works to clear a backlog of flight disruptions. In a customer update on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the national carrier stated it is actively working to restore operations after the Air Traffic Control workers’ strike call-off earlier that morning.

"Following the Air Traffic Control workers’ strike call-off this morning, teams have been working through the flight backlog to restore operations. Customers should expect some delays," Kenya Airways warned.

The airline indicated that normal scheduled operations are expected to resume on Wednesday, September 2, as it focuses on returning flights to their planned schedules. The continued delays, however, are attributed to the backlog created during the strike, not a continuation of the industrial action. Affected passengers will receive updates regarding changes to their flights via SMS, WhatsApp, and email using their contact details provided during booking.

Passengers are advised to monitor their flight status through the Kenya Airways website or mobile application, where they can use the “Manage Booking” option to review their travel information and update their contact details. Additionally, passengers affected by the disruption can reschedule their flights at no additional cost, according to the airline.

Despite the strike's conclusion, Kenya Airways noted that its teams remain deployed across its network as operations gradually return to normal. The airline apologized for the inconvenience caused and thanked customers for their patience and understanding during the recovery process. Kenya Airways emphasized that while the end of the strike will not immediately eliminate all disruptions, as flights affected during the industrial action still need accommodation, the recovery process is expected to continue through Tuesday.

Normal scheduled operations are anticipated on Wednesday, with passenger and staff safety remaining the airline's top priority as it works to clear the backlog and restore normal flight operations.