Flights disrupted at JKIA as workers strike over management row and KAA-KQ merge plan

Passengers stranded at JKIA after Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) staff down their tools over the proposed merger of KQ and KAA. [Jonah Onyango/Standard]

Hundreds of passengers were Wednesday stranded as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) flights were grounded following a strike by aviation workers over management row.

The workers under Kenya Aviation Workers Union (Kawu) are opposed to planned handover of management to Kenya Airways.

The workers say the plans will render most of them jobless and want the plan to be discarded.

The strike got many by surprise and has led to a crisis at the busy airport. Most flights have not taken off since 3 am leading to a crisis.

Tens of flights were affected by the strike.

The union has questioned the proposed merger, which is under scrutiny by Parliament.

The union members include cabin crew, ground staff, security, air traffic controllers and maintenance staff.

Passengers have been asked to talk to their airlines.

Kenya Airports Authority said Tuesday the strike notice dated 27/02/2019 by Kenya Aviation Workers Union stood suspended following issuance of an order of injunction by the Employment and Labour Relations court on 5/03/2019.

“We wish to assure the general public of normal operations at all our Airports,” said a statement from KAA.

But the strike went on.

Kenya Airways too cited the court order and assured its customers and general public of normal operations as per its schedule.

“For any ticket or booking, guests are advised to get in touch with us through our website www.kenya-airways.com,” said part of a statement from the airline.

The workers union was demanding the removal from office of KAA CEO Johny Andersen and chairman of the board Isaac Awuondo and their Kenya Airports counterparts.

Kenya Airways later advised passengers not to go to the airport.

“Further to the strike by KAWU members, we expect disruptions on flights. Customers on flights after 11 A.M are advised not to come to the airport until further communication is shared. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused,” said KQ in a statement.