Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have come to a standstill as ongoing staff protests disrupt flights, affecting both departures and arrivals. The protests, which began at midnight on Tuesday, have led to significant delays and cancellations, causing chaos for passengers and airlines alike. National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) and Jambo Jet have both confirmed that their flights have been interrupted due to the unrest among airport staff.
Airline Responses and Customer Advisories
In separate statements, Kenya Airways and Jambo Jet acknowledged the impact of the protests on their operations. Kenya Airways noted that the disruptions have led to a series of delays and cancellations across their scheduled flights. The airline has urged passengers to remain patient as they continue to monitor the situation. For further assistance, Kenya Airways has directed customers to reach out to their Customer Excellence team at +254711024747, via WhatsApp at +254705474747, or on X @KQSupport.
“We continue to observe the situation and will update you on the affected flights,” said Kenya Airways in a statement released on Wednesday. The airline emphasized that they are making efforts to manage the disruptions and minimize inconvenience to their passengers.
Jambo Jet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, also issued a statement indicating that all scheduled flights departing from and arriving at JKIA will be on hold until further notice. The airline has advised travelers to delay their journeys to the airport until a new flight schedule is published. “We apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding,” Jambo Jet stated, emphasizing their commitment to keeping passengers informed.
Cause of the Protests
The protests by JKIA staff are reportedly linked to a broader dispute regarding the proposed leasing of the airport to an Indian firm. This lease agreement has been met with significant opposition, culminating in legal action from both the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). On Monday, the High Court temporarily halted the proposed leasing of JKIA following a lawsuit filed by these two entities.
The KHRC and LSK have raised concerns about the leasing plan, arguing that JKIA is a strategic and profitable national asset that should not be privatized without thorough public consultation and adherence to governance principles. The petitioners assert that the deal, which includes plans for upgrading the airport with a second runway and a new passenger terminal under a 30-year lease, is irrational and violates principles of good governance, accountability, transparency, and the responsible use of public funds.
Impact on Passengers and Airlines
The disruption at JKIA has left many passengers stranded, with both airlines and travelers facing uncertainty over when normal operations will resume. Passengers scheduled to fly from JKIA are advised to stay updated with their respective airlines and consider delaying their trips to the airport until further notices are provided.
The protests highlight ongoing tensions between airport staff and management, compounded by the broader implications of the leasing controversy. As JKIA remains one of Africa’s busiest airports, the impact of the strike is substantial, affecting not only local travelers but also international flights and cargo operations.
Conclusion
The situation at JKIA remains fluid, with both Kenya Airways and Jambo Jet closely monitoring developments. As the protests continue, passengers are urged to stay informed through official channels and prepare for potential delays. The broader dispute over the proposed leasing of JKIA reflects deeper concerns about the management of national assets and the need for transparent, accountable governance in such decisions.
For now, the focus remains on resolving the ongoing disruptions and ensuring that JKIA can resume normal operations as swiftly and smoothly as possible.
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