JKIA Strike Leaves Hundreds Stranded as Air Traffic Grinds to Halt

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 1 min read

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on March 6, 2019, after a strike by aviation workers disrupted all flight operations.

The workers, who initiated the strike in the early hours of Wednesday, cited disputes over management practices, unfair hiring policies, and concerns over Kenya Airways' proposed acquisition of the airport.

All incoming and outgoing flights were suspended by 3 a.m., including a Rwanda Air flight that departed without passengers. Fire engines were also removed from runways, leaving grounded aircraft unable to depart.

POLICE DEPLOYED

Long queues formed at the airport, with reports of restricted access points leading to a significant police presence. Passengers faced delays or cancellations, with many expressing frustration online through social media platforms.

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