Relief for Travelers as Aviation Strike Officially Ends

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced the end of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff strike that disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), following the signing of a return-to-work formula by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).

In a statement issued on February 17, 2026, KAA said the agreement was reached after a successful mediation meeting led by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir. The talks also involved the Ministry of Labour, KAA, KAWU, and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

“The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has signed a return to work formula, officially concluding the Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff strike that disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA),” read part of the notice.

Kenya Aviation Workers Union Calls Off Strike

KAA commended all parties for what it described as constructive engagement that led to the resolution of the dispute.

“Operations are now normalising across all airports,” the authority said, urging passengers to contact their respective airlines for updated flight schedules.

Also Read: Kenya Airways Issues Travel Advisory Over Flight Disruptions at JKIA

KAA reiterated its commitment to safety and operational excellence across the country’s airports.

The strike had affected operations at JKIA, causing flight disruptions and inconvenience to passengers.

The strike had affected operations at JKIA, causing flight disruptions and inconvenience to passengers who were left stranded and their flight schedules disrupted for more than 24 hours.

Why the Workers Went on Strike

The strike, which began on Monday, February 16, stemmed from a long-running labour dispute between aviation workers and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

Central to the dispute is an unresolved Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that workers claim has been stalled since 2015.

Also Read: Jambojet Issues Notice to Passengers Amid Aviation Workers’ Strike

Union members also raised concerns over pay and benefits, citing the absence of salary reviews for more than 11 years, failure to implement the national minimum wage, and exclusion from certain allowances. Additionally, the workers protested what they described as unfair treatment of contract staff, who allegedly perform the same duties as permanent employees but without equivalent benefits.

Further grievances included claims that KCAA had failed to remit deducted union dues, which led to escalating tensions and ultimately triggered the industrial action.

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