Passengers using Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have been warned to expect flight delays and cancellations as disruption to air traffic control services continues.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on Monday advised passengers to confirm the status of their flights with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport.
“Some flights are experiencing delays and cancellations,” KAA said in a passenger advisory issued on Monday.
The authority said the ongoing disruption to Air Traffic Control services was affecting flight operations at JKIA.
The warning comes as aviation workers’ industrial action entered its second day, disrupting operations at the country’s main international airport and affecting thousands of travellers.
Some passengers have been forced to spend hours at the airport waiting for updates, while others have had their flights cancelled.
Kenya Airways on Monday said some delays had stretched beyond six hours due to a growing flight backlog.
The national carrier said it had been forced to reschedule and cancel some flights as it worked to clear the backlog.
Kenya Airways advised passengers to confirm their flight status before travelling to JKIA.
The airline also said passengers who wished to reschedule their flights could do so without paying a penalty.
The industrial action involves members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), who are pushing for the resolution of several outstanding labour issues.
KAWU has cited grievances including a stalled collective bargaining agreement with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and what it says is lack of cooperation from KAA and Jambojet.
In agreement, with further engagements expected as the strike continues.
KAA said it was working with airlines and other aviation stakeholders to minimise the impact of the disruption and maintain safe and orderly operations at the airport.
“The safety and security of passengers, airport users and the wider aviation community remain our highest priority,” the authority said.
KAA apologised to passengers and other airport users for the inconvenience and urged travellers to confirm their flight status before heading to JKIA.
