An industrial action by aviation and air traffic control workers in Kenya is causing significant disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and at other Kenyan airports. The strike began on 30 August 2026, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its Kenya travel advice on 31 August in response.
What Is Happening
Aviation workers — including ground handlers and air traffic control staff — launched a strike on 30 August over pay and working conditions. The walkout has led to:
- Flight delays of more than six hours on multiple routes in and out of JKIA
- Kenya Airways cancellations and rescheduled departures as the airline manages reduced ground support
- Knock-on delays at smaller Kenyan airports including Moi International Airport in Mombasa
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has issued an advisory warning passengers of potential delays to departing flights. Kenya Airways has urged passengers to check their booking directly and allow extra time at the airport.
FCDO Advisory Update
The FCDO update on 31 August 2026 advises travellers to check with their airline before heading to the airport, and notes that the situation may change at short notice. Existing travel advice against travel to specific border regions — including parts of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu counties — remains in place and is unrelated to the strike action.
What to Do If You Are Travelling
Before you fly: Confirm your departure status directly with your airline. Kenya Airways, British Airways, KLM, and other carriers operating through JKIA are all affected to varying degrees.
At the airport: Arrive with extra time. Check-in and security processing may be slower than usual while ground staff numbers are reduced. Our Nairobi airport guide has terminal layout and transfer information.
Connecting flights: If you are transiting through Nairobi to an onward destination, contact your airline about rebooking options if your first leg is delayed.
Travel insurance: Check whether your policy covers strike-related delays and cancellations. The FCDO advises taking out comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for disruption. See our Kenya travel insurance guide.
Ongoing Situation
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union has not confirmed how long the action will continue. Negotiations between the union and Kenya Airports Authority are reported to be ongoing. We will update this page as the situation develops.
For travellers already in Kenya, airport disruptions are currently limited to air travel. Ground transport and accommodation are operating normally. Safari areas and wildlife reserves are unaffected — the disruption is at airports only.
For Kenya visa and entry requirements, see our Kenya visa guide.