Kenya Airways has restored its normal flight operations after a three-day aviation workers’ strike caused widespread delays and cancellations at airports across the country, disrupting thousands of passengers and affecting the movement of fresh produce. The national carrier confirmed on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, that its full flight schedule was back in operation and that […]
Kenya Airways has restored its normal flight operations after a three-day aviation workers’ strike caused widespread delays and cancellations at airports across the country, disrupting thousands of passengers and affecting the movement of fresh produce.
The national carrier confirmed on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, that its full flight schedule was back in operation and that the backlog created during the disruption had been cleared. The airline said most passengers affected by the cancellations and delays had already reached their final destinations.
The disruption had a particularly heavy impact on Kenya Airways because of its large number of operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the country’s main aviation hub.
Kenya Airways said it cancelled 63 flights during the three days and recorded more than 160 flight delays, with the average delay running for more than six hours.
The disruption came with a high financial cost for the airline. Kenya Airways estimates that it lost more than USD7 million in revenue and incurred additional expenses while dealing with affected passengers.
These costs included accommodation, meals, transport, rebooking and other arrangements made for travellers whose journeys were interrupted.
The airline said the disruption also affected the transportation of agricultural and other perishable exports. More than 370 tonnes of fresh produce and meat could not be transported during the period.
The interruption therefore went beyond airport terminals, with farmers, exporters, freight handlers and businesses that depend on timely air cargo movements also feeling the effects.
For passengers, the disruption meant missed connections, long hours at airports, additional expenses and changes to carefully planned trips. Some also missed personal, commercial and business engagements because of the delays.
Kenya Airways apologised to customers affected by the disruption, saying it recognised the inconvenience caused despite the industrial action being outside its control.
“We sincerely apologise to every customer whose journey was affected,” the airline said.
The carrier also clarified that its own employees did not participate in the strike. According to Kenya Airways, its operational teams remained on duty throughout the disruption and continued assisting passengers despite the difficult circumstances.
The airline praised its staff for their professionalism and commitment while dealing with the operational challenges.
The industrial action was brought to an end on Tuesday, September 1, after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and the government reached a Return-to-Work Agreement.
The agreement involved key aviation sector institutions, including the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Jambojet, and paved the way for workers to resume their duties.
With the strike over, Kenya Airways has shifted its attention to restoring normal service and rebuilding confidence among passengers and businesses that rely on air transport.
The airline said the disruption had highlighted the need for better coordination between airlines, airports, regulators and other players in the aviation sector.
“Effective collaboration between all stakeholders is essential to delivering a safe, reliable and seamless customer experience,” Kenya Airways said.
The carrier has advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling and ensure their contact details are updated through its booking channels. Customers can also use the Kenya Airways mobile application to receive information concerning their journeys as the airline returns to normal operations.
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