Kenya’s major airports handled 244 flights between 3am and noon on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, hours after aviation workers called off their strike that had disrupted operations across the country.
The flights comprised both arrivals and departures, according to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) recorded 55 flights during the nine-hour period.
Moi International Airport handled 23 flights, while Wilson Airport recorded the highest number at 140 flights.
Kisumu International Airport facilitated 12 flights, while Eldoret International Airport handled 14 flights.
“KAA continues to work closely with all aviation stakeholders to support the progressive restoration of flight schedules and ensure the smooth movement of passengers and cargo,” the authority said.
The improvement in airport operations followed the decision by members of the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) to call off their strike early Tuesday after reaching an agreement with the government.
KAWU signed a return-to-work agreement with the Ministry of Transport, committing its members to resume normal duties immediately.
The agreement was signed by KAWU, the ministry, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), KAA and Jambojet.
The industrial action had paralysed operations at several Kenyan airports since Sunday after aviation workers downed their tools in a dispute involving KCAA, KAA and Jambojet.
Under the return-to-work agreement, KAWU and KCAA will immediately begin negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
KCAA management also committed to honour and implement the outcome of the negotiations.
Salary discussions will be conducted in line with the guidelines issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) on September 1, 2026.
The union had expressed reservations over some of the new SRC guidelines but agreed that outstanding issues would be addressed through negotiations.
KAWU is also seeking a recognition agreement with Jambojet. The matter is currently awaiting determination by the court.
The parties further agreed that KAA would immediately remit agency fees owed to KAWU that had previously been withheld.
The return-to-work agreement provides protection for employees who participated in the industrial action.
The parties agreed that no employee would be victimised, intimidated, discriminated against or subjected to disciplinary action for taking part in the strike.
Workers were also directed to cooperate with their respective management teams to facilitate the immediate restoration and continuity of normal airport operations.
“In consideration of the foregoing agreements and commitments, KAWU calls off the industrial action and advises all its affected members to resume normal duties immediately upon execution of this Return-to-Work Agreement,” the parties said in the agreement.
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema confirmed that the union had officially called off the strike.
“We have effectively called off the strike and urge our members to resume duties immediately. We hope to start talks on the outstanding issues in two or three days,” Ndiema said.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the negotiations would be guided by SRC guidelines.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the strike and wish to assure the workers we are committed to agree on their issues,” Chirchir said.
The strike had caused significant disruptions at the country’s major airports, leaving passengers stranded and forcing airlines to delay, reschedule and cancel flights.
Kenya Airways had reported delays of more than six hours due to the backlog created by the industrial action, while Jambojet said only two of its 55 scheduled flights had operated by 11:30am on Monday.
Some passengers spent nights at airport terminals as they waited for airlines to provide updates on their travel arrangements.
Others were moved to hotels by airlines as efforts continued to manage the disruption.
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