Jambojet has announced the cancellation of all its flights operating from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as a strike by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) workers began today. The protest, which is expected to grow, has disrupted operations at one of East Africa’s busiest airports. Other airlines are expected to follow suit as the situation worsens.
The strike comes in response to the proposed leasing of JKIA to India’s Adani Airport Holdings for 30 years. KAA workers have expressed grave concerns over the potential consequences of this deal, citing fears of job losses and renegotiations of employment contracts. If Adani wins the bid, employees will be hired under new terms and conditions set by the Indian conglomerate, which could include lower pay and fewer benefits.
One of the most contentious points in the proposed deal is Adani’s intention to bring non-Kenyan staff into its workforce. Workers argue that this could reduce job opportunities for locals and harm Kenya’s labor market. These uncertainties have sparked unrest among airport staff, who have staged a go-slow, creating massive disruptions for travelers.
While Jambojet is the first airline to cancel flights, aviation experts warn that further cancellations could follow if the standoff is not resolved quickly. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
This unfolding industrial action adds another layer of complexity to the future of JKIA, as negotiations between KAA and the Adani Group continue. It remains to be seen how the government and airport authorities will respond to these protests and the concerns raised by the workers.
