Planned JKIA Strike: KCAA Issues Update on Flight Diversions

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has moved to calm fears of flight disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following a strike notice issued by airport workers.

In a statement on Saturday, September 27, 2025, the authority assured both passengers and airlines that Kenya’s airspace remains safe and that all incoming and outgoing flights will continue to be managed without compromise.

What Travelers Should Expect

According to KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao, the strike will not affect key operations such as:

Air traffic control
Navigation and communication systems
Surveillance and aeronautical information services

This means that while travelers may experience delays linked to ground operations, the safety of aircraft in Kenyan skies is not at risk.

“The safety of all aircraft, whether overflying, arriving, or departing, is fully assured,” Arao said.

Why the Strike Was Announced

The looming strike stems from a standoff between the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU). Talks broke down after the union accused KAA of mismanagement and unresolved staff grievances.

KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema said the dismissal of a senior HR officer and other unaddressed concerns left the union with “no option but industrial action.”

Unless resolved, the strike could spread beyond JKIA to other major airports across the country, potentially affecting domestic and international travel.

KCAA’s Safety Net

While acknowledging public concern due to past strikes that caused major delays, KCAA emphasized that its systems are built to withstand disruptions. The authority pledged to: