Pilot’s union raises fatigue concerns as aviation strike hits day 2
By Aloys Michael, February 17, 2026The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) has raised serious safety concerns amid continued operational disruptions caused by the ongoing strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
In a statement on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the pilots’ body warns that persistent flight delays, cancellations, and last-minute diversions are creating irregular schedules and extended duty hours, significantly increasing fatigue among flight crews.
“These regulatory safeguards exist to mitigate fatigue and ensure that flight operations are conducted within internationally accepted safety parameters. Under no circumstances should operational pressures be allowed to compromise these limits,” the union stated.
According to KALPA, unmanaged pilot fatigue heightens operational risk and could potentially lead to a major aviation incident if urgent measures are not implemented to stabilise flight operations and protect passenger safety.
The association says the chaos from the go-slow has led to the reduction of the time available for mandatory rest between shifts, affecting the regulatory limits on Flight Duty Periods (FDP).
The pilots acknowledged the ongoing strikes and went ahead and called for a negotiation between KAWU and the government.
“While we acknowledge the challenges currently facing the sector, we reiterate that labour matters are best resolved through constructive, good-faith dialogue,” they added.
The Environment and Labour Relations Courts issued a temporary order blocking the strike until a hearing scheduled for February 26, 2026.
Despite the injunction, KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema stated that the union would not beg or approach management on our knees, maintaining that the strike was an honest act of last resort caused by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority’s (KCAA) “insensitive and chest-thumping attitude.
KAWU has accused KAA and related aviation management bodies of multiple grievances in its ongoing dispute, saying that longstanding concerns over labour terms, employment practices, and worker welfare have not been adequately addressed, prompting the strike action.
According to KAWU, airport workers have been adversely affected by the failed or delayed implementation of collective bargaining agreements with management, with key provisions remaining unresolved for years.
The union has also accused authorities of unfair labour practices, including failure to conduct regular salary reviews for long-serving employees, delays in promotions, and restrictions on full unionisation of eligible staff.
These wrangles have affected transport service delivery in JKIA, causing delayed flights and flight adjustments. KCAA has also activated contingency protocols to maintain critical air traffic and safety services.