Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports across Kenya have resumed following a brief but disruptive period of strike by aviation workers that started at six O’clock on Monday. 

In a brief update on Tuesday, the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) officials together with Ministry of Transport chiefs announced that the strike has been called off after the parties agreed to solve the issues raised via a collective bargaining agreement.

"The Kenya Aviation Workers Union has signed a return to work formula, officially concluding the Air Traffic Control staff strike that disrupted operations at JKIA," said Dr. Mohamud Gedi, the Ag. CEO, Kenya Airports Authority in an update on Tuesday. 

He added: "Operations are now normalizing across all the airports. Passengers are requested to contact their airlines for the latest flight schedules."

Early Tuesday, major airlines using the JKIA announced continued disruption of departure from East Africa's busiest airport.

Kenya Airways told travelers that it was experiencing up to four hour delays for departures out of JKIA due to service disruptions at the air traffic control room. "We sincerely regret the inconvenience and are working closely with the relevant aviation authorities and airport stakeholders to minimize the impact on our customers and maintain safe operations," Kenya Airways stated.

Thousands of travelers expressed frustrations with services at the air terminal noting that they were not receiving clear guidance on their scheduled flights.

The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) noted that the aviation workers strike was causing significant operational disruptions, warning that it would affect "crew scheduling and rest, thereby increasing fatigue risk."

"Aviation safety is non-negotiable...strict adherence to established flight duty period limitations and mandatory rest requirements is essential... under no circumstances should operational pressures be allowed to compromise these limits," KALPA warned early on Tuesday.

On Monday, other airlines including Rwandair, Uganda Airlines, Qatar Airways as well as Ethiopian Airlines reported disruptions in ensuring smooth travel for their passengers.

The aviation workers had served authorities a seven-day strike notice, warning the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority on February 9th that unless their better pay and conducive working environment needs area addressed they'll down their tools starting yesterday.

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