Kenya airport workers’ strike disrupts flights for 2 days at Nairobi and Mombasa
By Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 17 February 2026
A strike by Kenyan airport workers has been disrupting operations at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) causing widespread delays, diversions and cancellations. The strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has now been resolved, much to the relief of stranded passengers. Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of Africa's busiest travel hubs, are expected to slowly return to normal.
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A union-led strike by Kenyan airport workers from the Kenya Airline Workers Union (KAWU) has been disrupting flight operations across Kenya for 2 days. The action is affecting both domestic and international services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and as well as other Kenyan airports including Moi International Airport in Mombasa, leading to widespread delays and cancellations on departures and arrivals. Kenya Airways and its flight attendants have been particularly impacted, with knock-on effects across both airports.
Several international services were canceled, including a Kenya Airways flight to Johannesburg. Other foreign carriers began delaying or suspending operations as the disruption spread. Ethiopian Airways was among those most affected, resulting in dozens of Italian travelers being stranded overnight. Workers are seeking updates to employment contracts that date back to 2015 and have not been revised since.
Following the second day of the strike, workers have now agreed to return to work. However it will take time for airport operations to return to normal, and passengers should check with their airlines for any updates to their flight schedule.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights:
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Disruption:
Delays and Cancellations
Cause:
Other strike
Compensation:
Not eligible for compensation
Status:
Current disruption
Airlines affected:
Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airways, Skyward, Safarilink, Jambojet
Airports affected:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Malindi Airport
Checked by:
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated:
17 February 2026
