Kenya Airways has instructed passengers with flights scheduled after 11 a.m. to refrain from traveling to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) amid disruptions caused by a work boycott led by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu).
The airline confirmed the strike began in the early hours of March 6, 2019, with workers protesting management decisions, unfair hiring practices, and a proposed airport takeover by the carrier. Only passengers on specific international routes—KQ100 to London, KQ116 to Amsterdam, and KQ210 to Mumbai—were permitted to proceed with check-in.
A statement from Kenya Airways emphasized: "Further to the strike by Kawu members, we expect disruptions on flights. Customers on flights after 11 A.M are advised not to come to the airport until further communication is shared. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused."
The strike halted all arrivals at JKIA since 3 a.m., including a Rwanda Air flight that departed empty. Airport entry points were reportedly closed by striking workers, prompting police deployment. Long queues formed at gates, according to local reports.
