Uganda Airlines Warns of Nairobi Disruptions as Kenya ATC Strike Enters Second Day

August 31, 2026 in Business, Travel & Tourism by Editor

A view of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi. The facility is facing service disruptions due to an ongoing strike by Air Traffic Control workers

 

Uganda Airlines has warned passengers of possible delays on Nairobi flights as an air traffic control workers’ strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport enters its second day, disrupting flights and creating a growing backlog.

 

Uganda Airlines has warned passengers travelling through Nairobi of possible delays after industrial action by aviation workers disrupted air traffic control operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports in the country .

In a travel advisory issued on Monday, the Ugandan carrier said operational challenges affecting air traffic control at JKIA were disrupting flights into and out of the airport, potentially delaying its services to and from Nairobi.

“Air Traffic Control operational challenges at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) are currently affecting flight operations into and out of the airport,” Uganda Airlines said.

The airline said its teams were monitoring the situation and working with aviation and airport authorities to minimise disruption, while maintaining safe and reliable operations.

The warning comes as a nationwide go-slow by aviation workers entered its second day, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at JKIA and triggering delays, cancellations and diversions.

Kenya Airways said on Monday that delays at JKIA had stretched beyond six hours as a growing backlog of flights forced it to reschedule and cancel some services. The carrier advised passengers not to travel to the airport unless their flights had been confirmed.

Passengers have also been urged to check flight status through airline websites and mobile applications before travelling to JKIA.

The disruption began on Sunday amid unresolved grievances by aviation workers, including concerns over collective bargaining agreements, working conditions and implementation of previously agreed employment benefits. Talks between the unions and government representatives failed to immediately resolve the dispute, with further discussions expected on Monday.

RwandAir has also cancelled flights because of the operational constraints affecting air traffic control services in Nairobi, while flight-tracking data showed widespread delays, cancellations and diversions.

JKIA is a critical regional aviation hub, connecting East and Central Africa to international destinations. Prolonged disruption therefore risks creating knock-on effects across regional airline networks as aircraft and crews fall out of schedule.

Uganda Airlines said it would continue providing updates as the situation evolves and apologised to passengers for the inconvenience.