The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has called off their strike amid massive flight delays witnessed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). 

In a statement on the KAWU official X account on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the union announced that the action was suspended after talks with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Ministry of Transport. 

Worth noting, this industrial action began on Monday, February 16, 2026, disrupting operations at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). 

“The industrial action previously called on 9 February 2026 has now been officially called off,” KAWU stated.

Kenya Airways report on delay

The statement by the Aviation Workers Union comes just moments after Kenya Airways confirmed that passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi will face flight delays of up to four hours on February 17, 2026.

They further noted that the disruptions followed problems on February 16, which stemmed from operational issues in air traffic control caused by a strike by aviation workers.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has activated contingency measures to manage the situation. Kenya Airways adjusted its network to cope with the disruptions and is working closely with aviation authorities and airport stakeholders.

A statement from the airline read:

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience and are working closely with the relevant aviation authorities and airport stakeholders to minimise the impact on our customers and maintain safe operations. Our teams are doing everything possible to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of our customers, which remains our highest priority.”

Other airlines, including Precision Air and Jambojet, reported similar problems. Some flights faced extended holding patterns or were diverted to alternative airports.

Kenya Airways has urged passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport. The statement advises:

“Passengers are advised to expect schedule adjustments.”