Hundreds of passengers found themselves stranded at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on September 11, 2024, as a strike by airport workers protesting against a controversial takeover deal with India’s Adani Group led to significant flight delays and cancellations.
The strike commenced at midnight, resulting in chaos as aviation workers downed tools, leaving many travelers to sleep on any available surfaces outside the terminals.
The protest is primarily driven by concerns over job security, with workers demanding assurances regarding their employment before any deal is finalized.
The Adani Group’s proposed plan involves a 30-year lease to renovate and operate JKIA, which has raised fears among staff about potential job losses and deteriorating working conditions.
The Kenya Airport Workers Union has voiced strong opposition, insisting that the government must halt the deal until their demands for transparency and job security are met.
Images from the scene depict weary passengers, including women and children, resting on the ground, highlighting the distress caused by the situation.
One stranded traveler, Elvis Mushengu, expressed frustration, stating,
The protests have not only affected JKIA but have also spread to regional airports in Kisumu and Mombasa, indicating widespread discontent among aviation workers across the country.
The strike has drawn attention to the broader implications of the Adani deal, which critics argue could undermine local employment and deprive the Kenyan government of future airport profits, as JKIA is a vital asset contributing significantly to the national economy.
As the strike continues, the Kenya Airports Authority is engaged in discussions to resolve the situation, but the uncertainty surrounding the Adani deal remains a contentious issue that could have lasting effects on the aviation sector in Kenya.