Kenya Airport Strike Disrupts Flights Over Lease Deal

News Desk

Nairobi: Passengers at Kenya’s main airport faced significant disruptions on Wednesday as staff went on strike in response to a proposed takeover by an Indian company.

The strike by the Kenyan Aviation Workers Union began at midnight, affecting operations at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Reports indicate queues of passengers outside the airport, with some sitting on their luggage, and heavy traffic around the area.

The union has announced that the strike will persist until the government cancels its plan to lease JKIA to India’s Adani Group for 30 years in return for a $1.85 billion investment. Union leader Moses Ndiema emphasized, “Adani must go, that is not optional.”

Kenya Airways has issued warnings about potential delays and cancellations for both departing and arriving flights. Critics argue that the lease deal could result in job losses for local staff and deprive taxpayers of future airport profits.

The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission secured a court-ordered delay on the deal on Monday, citing a lack of “transparency.”

The Kenyan government defends the plan as crucial for refurbishing JKIA, which is one of Africa’s busiest airports but suffers from issues like power outages and leaking roofs. Adani’s proposed improvements include a second runway and an upgraded passenger terminal.