Flight delays, cancellations at JKIA as workers strike
National
By
Mate Tongola
| Sep 11, 2024
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced delays and flight cancellations due to an ongoing strike by staff at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), protesting the planned lease of the airport to the Adani Group.
In a statement dated Wednesday, September 11, the national carrier confirmed that both departing and arriving flights are affected.
"KQ would like to inform its clients that due to the action by some JKIA staff, there have been delays and possible cancellations of certain flights," it said.
Kenya Airways added that it is monitoring the situation and will provide updates on affected flights.
Chaos have erupted at the airport with workers protesting the Adani takeover. Police have been seen roughing up workers, as activities remain at a standstill.
The strike, which began on Tuesday night, has crippled operations at the busy international airport, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) issued a strike notice on August 12, opposing the proposed leasing of JKIA to the Indian conglomerate Adani Group.
The union argues that the deal would lead to massive layoffs, poor working conditions, and the introduction of foreign workers.
The Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions, COTU Francis Atwoli has also arrived at JKIA and is set to meet the leadership of the aviation workers union.
On his part, Atwoli squarely blamed the government for failing to engage the workers while blaming some state officers for being arrogant.
"I tried to call the then Minister of Transport (Kipchumba Murkomen) and I want to advise him on how to handle the issue.
Our ministers are arrogant. They don't take calls, they only answer calls from businessmen and not workers. This is sad," Atwoli stated.
Under the 30-year, Sh246 billion agreement, Adani Group plans to upgrade the airport, including the construction of a second runway and a new passenger terminal.
The Indian firm, owned by Gautam Adani, is also expected to renovate and refurbish existing airport facilities.