Kenya's aviation sector faced severe disruption as workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) launched a strike on March 6, 2019, paralyzing operations and forcing airlines to cancel flights. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu) opposed the proposed merger between Kenya Airways (KQ) and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), which would see KQ manage airport facilities under a concession agreement.
By midday, no aircraft had landed at JKIA, and takeoff operations were halted. RwandAir's scheduled flight to Nairobi departed empty, while passengers waited for updates. The Kenya Defence Forces were deployed to assist with airport operations as airlines grappled with cancellations and stranded travelers.
KQ reported 24 affected flights and estimated losses at Ksh300 million ($3 million). The airline's managing director noted challenges in repatriating passengers, particularly on routes to London and Dubai, where European Union regulations could trigger $600 per passenger compensation if services were suspended beyond 12 hours.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia warned of
