Passengers bear brunt as JKIA staff strike bites

Passengers had to sit on their luggage and endure the scorching sun.

In Summary
  • Several flights have been canceled while others have been delayed at the as the workers' strike continued to impact operations.
  • Only arriving flights were processed leaving those flying out stranded and frustrated.
Stranded passengers at JKIA after flights were interrupted due to the ongoing strike by workers, on September 11, 2024
Stranded passengers at JKIA after flights were interrupted due to the ongoing strike by workers, on September 11, 2024
Image: FELIX KIPKEMOI

Passengers have continued to bear the brunt of the ongoing strike by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) staff.

Several flights have been canceled while others have been delayed at the as the workers' strike continued to impact operations.

Only arriving flights were processed leaving those flying out stranded and frustrated.

On the pavements, passengers were seen sitting on their luggage, trying to find shade from the scorching sun.

Others who appeared visibly upset and concerned could be seen making endless phone calls as they pondered about the next move.

The strike, which began Tuesday night has affected both domestic and international flights.

Passengers were left in long queues with limited assistance available from airport staff.

Those who spoke to the Star said they had not been provided with any information on the time their flights had been rescheduled to.

“I was supposed to fly to the UK at 8 am but now I have no idea when I will be able to leave.

I only received a message that my flight has been delayed,” a passenger said.

Another passenger expressed her frustration with the lack of communication from authorities.

"I was here as early as 8 am because my flight to Mombasa was scheduled for 11:30 am, I have been waiting here for hours with no information about it. This is disappointing," she said.

The airport authorities confirmed that only arrivals were being processed as negotiations between the management and striking workers continued.

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli who visited the airport expressed support for the strike as he blamed the manager for not consulting the unions.

"This thing would have been averted if they had consulted the union but because of some CSs who failed to observe that this is now the situation," Atwoli said.

Atwoli also asked the workers to stay put as he promised to hold talks with the management to find a solution.

"Please be patient, I am going to have a meeting now and I will be back after some few hours," he told them.

The SG also demanded immediate and unconditional release of those arrested by police.

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