The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) has raised safety concerns over ongoing flight disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), warning that aviation safety must remain paramount as delays and cancellations ripple across East Africa.
In a statement dated Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, KALPA said it had taken note of the ongoing industrial action involving Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel, which has resulted in significant operational disruptions at JKIA and across Kenya’s airspace.
“The resultant flight delays, diversions, and cancellations have understandably caused inconvenience to passengers and stakeholders within the aviation sector,” the statement read.
The pilots stressed that safety cannot be compromised despite operational pressure.
“As professional aviators, our foremost responsibility is the safety of the flying public, crew, and aircraft. Aviation safety is non-negotiable,” KALPA stated.
The association warned that prolonged disruptions could interfere with crew scheduling and rest periods, potentially increasing fatigue risks.
“In this context, strict adherence to established Flight Duty Period (FDP) limitations and mandatory rest requirements is essential. These regulatory safeguards exist to mitigate fatigue and ensure that flight operations are conducted within internationally accepted safety parameters. Under no circumstances should operational pressures be allowed to compromise these limits,” the statement added.
KALPA also urged all parties to pursue dialogue to resolve the standoff.
“Meaningful engagement among all parties is essential to address outstanding issues and achieve mutually beneficial and sustainable solutions,” the association said.
The disruptions follow an industrial strike that officially began on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 6:00 a.m., after the expiry of a seven-day notice issued by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU).
The strike stems from a decade-long stalemate over Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) dating back to 2015. Workers are demanding salary reviews, improved working conditions, and the conversion of contract staff to permanent and pensionable terms.
KAWU has maintained that the strike was a last resort after the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) allegedly failed to engage in good faith negotiations.
Regional Ripple Effect
JKIA serves as a major aviation hub for East Africa, and the disruption has affected flights across the region.
Kenya Airways warned of delays of up to four hours for departures from Nairobi due to air traffic control operational challenges.
Uganda Airlines advised passengers travelling to and from Nairobi to expect possible delays or rescheduling, urging them to verify flight status before heading to the airport.
RwandAir also confirmed that some Nairobi-bound and departing flights had been delayed or cancelled, with affected passengers being rebooked on alternative services.
As negotiations continue, aviation stakeholders are calling for a swift resolution to restore normal operations and minimize further disruption to travellers across East Africa.
