Kenya Airways Faces Major Disruptions as JKIA Workers Strike Over Controversial KAA-Adani Deal

Kenya Airways (KQ) has issued a public alert to passengers regarding potential disruptions to its flight schedules due to an ongoing strike by workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The strike, which began on the night of September 11, 2024, has severely impacted the national carrier’s operations, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport and creating widespread uncertainty about flight departures and arrivals.

The strike, led by members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), is a protest against the proposed deal to lease the management of JKIA to India’s Adani Group for 30 years. Workers are concerned that the deal could lead to significant job losses, changes in employment contracts, and the possible introduction of foreign workers into key positions at the airport. As a result, KAWU members are resisting the implementation of the agreement, which they claim would undermine their job security and welfare.

In response to the strike, Kenya Airways released a public statement warning of possible delays and cancellations of both domestic and international flights. The airline assured passengers that it is closely monitoring the situation and working to minimize disruptions. “Kenya Airways would like to alert you that some JKIA staff’s actions have resulted in delays and possible cancellations of some of our flights for both departing and arriving passengers,” the airline said in a notice issued on the morning of September 11.

The strike has caused significant disruptions at JKIA, with passengers taking to social media to share videos and photos of the chaos. Hundreds of travelers, including international tourists and business travelers, were left stranded, with many expressing frustration at the lack of information and clarity regarding their travel plans. Kenya Airways urged affected passengers to remain patient and assured them that the airline would provide regular updates on flight schedules as the situation unfolds. The airline also provided helplines for passengers seeking assistance from its Customer Excellence team.

The controversial deal between the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Adani Group has been at the center of the aviation workers’ strike. Under the proposed agreement, the Adani Group would take over the management and operations of JKIA, which is the largest and busiest airport in East Africa. The deal is part of the Kenyan government’s strategy to attract foreign investment and improve the country’s aviation infrastructure. However, the workers represented by KAWU have expressed concerns that the deal was not transparent and could negatively affect their livelihoods.

According to KAWU, the deal would force workers to renegotiate their contracts, potentially leading to lower wages and reduced benefits. The union also claimed that the Adani Group intends to integrate foreign staff into JKIA’s workforce, which could result in the displacement of Kenyan workers. The union has been vocal in its opposition to the deal, stating that the government should prioritize the interests of local employees and ensure that their rights and job security are protected.

In addition to the strike action, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) have taken legal steps to block the implementation of the deal. The two organizations filed a petition in the High Court, arguing that the agreement was made without proper consultation with stakeholders and violated workers’ rights. In response, the High Court issued conservatory orders preventing the immediate implementation of the KAA-Adani deal. The court also directed KAWU and other interested parties to submit their written arguments within three days, allowing the judicial process to proceed.

The strike has thrown the Kenyan aviation sector into disarray, and the consequences are already being felt. Kenya Airways, which is heavily reliant on JKIA as its main hub, is facing operational challenges due to the workers’ industrial action. Passengers have reported missed connections and canceled flights, while cargo transport has also been affected. The airline has called on the government and the workers’ union to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible to prevent further disruptions to air travel.

The future of the KAA-Adani deal now hangs in the balance as the court deliberates on the matter and workers continue to voice their concerns. Meanwhile, the aviation sector remains in a state of uncertainty, with travelers anxiously awaiting updates on when normal operations at JKIA might resume. As the strike enters its second day, the pressure is mounting on both the government and the Adani Group to provide a clear resolution that addresses the concerns of workers while safeguarding the long-term interests of Kenya’s aviation industry.

Kenya Airways and its passengers are facing significant disruption due to the JKIA workers’ strike over the controversial Adani deal. As the court intervenes to block the immediate implementation of the agreement, the strike has underscored the importance of ensuring that the interests of workers are taken into account in any foreign investment agreements that impact Kenya’s workforce. The situation remains fluid, with the outcome of the legal process likely to determine the next steps for both the airline and the workers involved.