NAIROBI, Kenya—Feb 16, 2026—The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) says efforts are underway to restore normal flight operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following disruptions caused by an ongoing go-slow by aviation workers.
In a statement issued Monday, the regulator assured passengers that recovery measures have been activated, with flight backlogs being cleared in a structured and prioritised manner.
“Recovery efforts are actively underway, and passenger backlogs are being cleared in a structured and prioritised manner. Operations are progressively stabilising, with normal schedules expected to resume as soon as possible,” KCAA said.
The authority emphasized that safety has not been compromised, noting that all aircraft movements continue to be managed in accordance with established aviation standards. Travelers were advised to confirm flight details directly with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.
The industrial action, announced by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), has disrupted operations across several airports, including Kisumu International Airport, where flights to and from Kisumu were affected, leaving dozens of passengers stranded.
Union officials say the strike stems from unresolved grievances, including poor working conditions, delayed salary payments and concerns over restructuring within the aviation sector.
At Kisumu’s terminal, frustrated passengers waited for updates as airline counters struggled to provide timely information, while taxi operators outside the airport reported heavy losses due to reduced passenger traffic.
Amid the disruptions, Kenya Airways urged travelers to regularly check their flight status following KCAA’s activation of contingency protocols.
In a statement, the national carrier advised passengers to use its website, mobile app and official communication channels for real-time updates.
“The airline is working closely with KCAA and relevant authorities to manage delays and ensure passenger safety during this period,” Kenya Airways said.
The airline encouraged passengers to arrive early at airports and remain flexible, noting that schedules may be adjusted to accommodate operational challenges.
KCAA said it is working closely with aviation stakeholders to ensure a smooth and orderly restoration of services across affected airports, even as tensions within the sector continue to impact travelers and airport-dependent businesses.
