Passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya’s main international gateway, were left stranded on Tuesday as a strike by air traffic controllers entered its second day, causing widespread disruption across the airport.
The labour action has led to long delays and uncertainty, with travellers unsure whether their flights would take off.
Kenya Airways, the country’s national carrier, reported departure delays of up to four hours. Uganda Airlines confirmed the cancellation of two flights, while Jambojet advised passengers to postpone travelling to the airport until further notice.
“We were told to wait until further notice. My family came to see me off and they are still here waiting with me,” Kenyan passenger Jazzy Mwango said.
Another Kenyan traveller, Betty Wambui, said she was meant to travel to Egypt via Qatar but was now totally confused on whether to travel or not.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union launched the strike on Monday, despite a court order saying “it should not go ahead.”
The union’s grievances against the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority include its failure to conclude a collective bargaining agreement and the placement of employees on temporary terms for roles it says are permanent.
The Aviation Authority has said it wants to resolve the dispute amicably.
The Transport Minister, Davis Chirchir, summoned the Union and the Aviation Authority to a meeting on Tuesday in an effort to break the deadlock.
Reuters/Hauwa M.