A fresh labour dispute at Kenya’s main international airport has left passengers facing long waits, delayed flights and uncertainty over their travel plans.
Workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, including air traffic controllers and other airport employees, resumed strike action on Sunday after talks with the authorities failed to settle their complaints.
The workers are demanding action on a number of issues, including outstanding wages, employment security and workplace conditions.
Passengers caught in the middle
The industrial action quickly affected travellers at the airport, with several passengers reporting major changes to their flight schedules.
International student Nicole Jepkorir was among those affected. She said she had originally expected to leave Nairobi at 4 p.m., but the disruption reportedly pushed her departure back until around midnight.
For passengers with connecting flights, hotel bookings and other travel arrangements, such delays can create additional financial and logistical problems.
Authorities seek to limit disruption
The Kenya Airports Authority has said it is taking steps to minimise the effect of the strike on airport operations.
Despite those efforts, travellers arriving at the facility continued to experience extended waiting periods and revised flight schedules.
The current dispute follows an earlier labour confrontation at the airport that was temporarily resolved after government intervention.
Fresh negotiations expected
Union representatives and government officials were expected to return to negotiations on Monday after failing to reach an agreement during talks held on Sunday.
A successful resolution could restore normal airport operations, but until an agreement is reached, passengers may continue to experience delays.
Travellers planning to use Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have been advised to confirm their flight status with their airlines before setting out.
The latest dispute once again highlights the impact that unresolved labour issues can have on one of East Africa’s most important international travel hubs.
