Flights grounded as workers protest against Adani deal, KAA responds

By Peter Ochieng

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Nairobi is witnessing chaotic scenes as aviation workers protest against take over of the airport by Indian firm, Adani in a lease agreement running for 30 years.

The Kenyan Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) said the strike at the airport started at midnight, with a view of stopping Adani from occupying JKIA.

Long queues of stranded passengers are being witnessed at the airport.

Flights have been grounded at the airport for hours, with major airlines in the country, such as Kenya Airways (KQ) and Jambojet expressing regrets in communications to their clients.

“We wish to notify guests of flight disruptions due to the ongoing strike by airport workers. All our flights, scheduled to land and takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) are hereby on hold until further notice,” said Jambojet.

“We therefore recommend that you hold your journey to the airport until we publish the new schedule. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding.”

KQ said the strike has led to cancellation of some flights. "We continue to observe the situation and will update you on the affected flights. For further assistance, please reach out to our Customer Excellence team on +254711024747; via WhatsApp on +254705474747 or X @KQSupport."

The government has deployed a contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers at the airport as the effects of the strike continue being experienced far and wide.

Reports indicate that some workers were arrested or allegedly beaten up by officers, as they chanted ‘Adani must go.’

The workers insist that they are ready for a long strike, vowing to only report back on duty after the lease deal is cancelled.

Addressing the issue weeks ago, President William Ruto said his administration was not selling the airport, but leasing it to aid in infrastructural development.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, already have a court order temporarily suspending the proposed leasing of the airport.

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) acting Managing Director Henry Ogoye in a statement termed the strike as illegal. He said they were engaging relevant parties to normolise operations.