KAA commends mediation efforts that ended airport workers’ strike
By Cy Muganda, February 17, 2026The Kenya Airports Authority has commended all stakeholders for what it described as constructive engagement that led to the end of the airport workers’ strike, paving the way for the restoration of normal operations at the country’s airports.
In a statement posted on its X account on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, KAA confirmed that the Kenya Aviation Workers Union had signed a return-to-work formula, officially bringing to an end the Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff strike that had disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
“KAA commends all parties for their constructive engagement,” the authority stated.
Multi-stakeholder mediation
According to KAA, the resolution followed a successful mediation meeting that brought together multiple stakeholders.
“This resolution follows a successful mediation meeting led by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Transport, Mr Davis Chirchir, with participation from the Ministry of Labour, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Airports Workers Union (KAWU), and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA),” the authority stated.
KAA Acting Managing Director Mohamud Gedi announced that airport operations are normalising following the end of the industrial action.
“Operations are now normalising across all the airports. Passengers are requested to contact their airlines for the latest flight schedules,” Gedi stated.
The authority further advised passengers to contact their airlines directly for updated flight information as schedules return to normal.
“KAA reiterates its commitment to safety and operational excellence across all airports,” the statement read.
Strike called off
In a separate statement, KAWU confirmed that it had suspended the industrial action following talks with KCAA and the Ministry of Transport.
“The industrial action previously called on 9 February 2026 has now been officially called off,” the union said in a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday.
The strike, which began on Monday, February 16, had led to massive flight delays at JKIA, inconveniencing passengers and disrupting airline schedules before the mediation talks brought the standoff to an end.