Kenya Airways has confirmed that passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi face flight delays of up to four hours on February 17, 2026. The disruptions follow 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.”

Strike halts key flights

The strike began on February 16, when members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) walked out. Workers are demanding higher pay, better conditions, and resolution of a long-standing labour dispute with KCAA. The action has caused widespread delays, flight cancellations, and stranded passengers at JKIA, one of Africa’s busiest airports.

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.”

Travellers can monitor rebooking options via the Kenya Airways mobile app or website. The airline said updates will continue through official communication channels as new information becomes available.

The strike highlights ongoing challenges in Kenya’s aviation sector. On February 17, pilots from the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) raised safety concerns, saying that persistent flight delays, cancellations, and last-minute diversions are creating irregular schedules and extended duty hours, significantly increasing fatigue among flight crews.

KCAA officials said they are working to clear the backlog in a structured manner. Flight schedules are being restored on a priority basis, and Kenya Airways and other operators are coordinating to maintain safe services despite the disruption.