Airlines transfer passengers at JKIA to hotels following flight disruptions. Photo: Ben Kirui/ Citizen Digital
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has issued a fresh update on operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as an ongoing industrial action by aviation workers continues to disrupt flight operations.
In a statement issued on Monday, KAA said the disruption to Air Traffic Control services was continuing to affect flights at JKIA, with some services experiencing delays and cancellations.
Passengers have consequently been urged to contact their respective airlines and confirm the status of their flights before travelling to the airport.
The latest update comes hours after national carrier Kenya Airways announced that passengers were facing delays of more than six hours due to a growing flight backlog.
The airline said some flights had been rescheduled and cancelled as it worked to manage the disruption. Passengers were advised to only travel to the airport after confirming that their flights were operating.
Kenya Airways has also asked passengers to update their contact details through its booking channels to ensure they receive the latest notifications on changes to their flights, while those wishing to reschedule their flights have been allowed to do so without penalties, as the carrier's teams continue working to clear the backlog.
The disruption has left hundreds of passengers stranded at JKIA, with some travellers spending Sunday night at the airport as they waited for information and assistance from airlines.
The strike, which began on Sunday, was called by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) after workers downed their tools at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Airports Authority and Jambojet.
The workers are demanding improved welfare, better working conditions and the implementation of previously agreed employment benefits.
The latest industrial action follows the collapse of a framework agreement reached on July 27, which had temporarily suspended an earlier strike threat and provided a timetable for negotiations between KAWU and the affected employers.
Meanwhile, KAA says it is continuing to work with airlines and other aviation stakeholders to facilitate the safe, secure and orderly operation of the airport.
The authority has apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused, maintaining that the safety and security of passengers, airport users and the wider aviation community remain its highest priority.
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