Kenya Aviation Workers Union Threatens Shutdown of Kenyan Airspace After Talks Collapse with KCAA

By James Nyaigoti,

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has issued a stark ultimatum to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the national government over unresolved labour disputes, warning that failure to reach an agreement within seven days could lead to a shutdown of Kenya’s airspace.
At a press briefing held outside the KCAA control tower next to Terminal 2 at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday, 20 January at 4:00 pm, union leaders outlined deep frustration over stalled negotiations and what they described as “long-standing injustices” affecting aviation workers.
“This is not a decision we take lightly,” said [Union Secretary-General’s Name], KAWU Secretary-General, in remarks captured during the event. “Our members have suffered without a salary review for over a decade. We have been patient, but our calls for fair treatment have gone unanswered.”

According to union officials, key points of contention include the absence of any salary adjustment for more than 11 years, delayed promotions, and what workers describe as discriminatory employment practices within the aviation sector.
“Every day we come to work with the same hopes, only to be met with silence and empty promises,” said [Another Union Representative’s Name], addressing reporters and media houses invited to the event. “This ultimatum is a cry for dignity and fairness.”

KAWU alleges that efforts to resolve these issues through dialogue and mediation have collapsed, leaving the union with no option but to plan industrial action.
“We are giving the authority seven days to act,” the Secretary-General said. “If they fail to do so, we will exercise our right to withdraw our services, including those essential to the operation of Kenyan airspace.”
Implications for Aviation and Economy
Analysts warn that any disruption to air traffic services at major hubs like Jomo Kenyatta International Airport could have widespread repercussions on passenger flights, cargo operations, and tourism sectors critical to Kenya’s economy.

“The aviation industry is an engine of growth for Kenya,” said aviation expert [Expert’s Name]. “A prolonged strike, especially one that affects airspace control, would create cascading delays and financial losses for airlines, passengers, and businesses alike.”
Passengers transiting through JKIA and other airports nationwide have expressed concern over the prospect of interruptions.

“I was supposed to travel next week,” said [Passenger Name], a Nairobi resident. “I hope this is resolved soon because we depend on reliable flights for work and family commitments.”
Government and KCAA Yet to Respond
At the time of publication, the KCAA and the Ministry of Transport had not issued an official statement responding to KAWU’s ultimatum.
Industry stakeholders and government officials are expected to convene in the coming days to avert what could be one of the most significant disruptions in Kenya’s aviation history.

KAWU’s deadline expires on 27 January 2026, after which the union has vowed to begin strike actions potentially affecting air traffic control, ground handling, and other critical aviation services.

“All avenues of negotiation must be exhausted before we take this step,” the KAWU Secretary-General reiterated. “But our members’ rights and livelihoods cannot be ignored any longer.”

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