Flights operating in and out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) faced significant delays on Monday, February 16, after the Kenya Airport Workers Union (KAWU) initiated a go-slow.

This happens despite an assurance that the operational continuity measures activated were expected to stop any service disruption at the JKIA and other airports.

The industrial action disrupted normal airport operations, with several airlines and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirming interruptions to flight schedules.

 “The Kenya Airport Authority informs the public of delays affecting departing flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport due to the ongoing labour dispute between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority,” KAA said in a statement on Monday.

The national carrier, in a notice to customers, said the disruptions follow a statement by KCAA outlining measures to safeguard aviation safety and ensure service continuity.

KAA further said contingency plans have been activated to manage the situation and minimise disruption to passengers.

As a result, passengers have been advised to expect possible schedule adjustments and delays.

Meanwhile, the authority has activated emergency measures in response to a planned strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).

In a statement on Monday, February 16, 2026, KCAA said that it will ensure that critical aviation safety and air navigation protocols remain active to ensure seamless air traffic during the strike, which was scheduled to start today.

KCAA is also actively engaging aviation stakeholders, in accordance with relevant laws and court directives, so as to reach an amicable agreement with the workers.  

“The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) wishes to inform the public and aviation stakeholders that it has activated its operational continuity measures in light of the planned industrial action by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU),” the statement read.

“KCAA remains fully committed to its statutory mandate of ensuring the safety, security, and regulatory oversight of Kenya’s civil aviation sector. Critical aviation safety and air navigation functions remain operational and are being managed in accordance with established contingency protocols.”

KAWU announced a nationwide strike on Monday, February 9, 2026, to protest stalled collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, delayed union dues remittance, and claims of discrimination against contract staff.

“We are determined to deliver a CBA in one week if management accepts that those grades are unionisable. But if they continue to place barriers in our way, we are prepared to act,” KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said.