NAIROBI- UAE’s flag carrier Emirates Airlines (EK) has canceled two flights from Dubai (DXB) to Nairobi (NBO) on Wednesday, September 11, due to industrial action at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The affected flights are EK719 and EK721, originally scheduled to depart at 10:30 AM and 3:55 PM, respectively.
Emirates Cancels Nairobi Flights
The airline has also canceled the evening flight EK720 from Nairobi to Dubai, which was set to depart at 4:35 PM.
Passengers impacted by these cancellations will be rebooked on the next available flights, according to Emirates. The airline advises affected travelers to inquire about accommodation at the check-in counter, though it cannot guarantee that all customers will receive lodging.
The cancellations stem from a strike by Kenya’s aviation workers, which has caused widespread disruptions to both incoming and outgoing flights at JKIA. Kenya Airways has reported significant delays and cancellations due to the industrial action.
British Airways (BA) cancels Wednesday flights between Nairobi and London (LHR). Airport strike causes significant delays for numerous other services. Flight disruptions impact international travel schedules. Passengers face unexpected changes to their travel plans.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union initiated the strike in response to a proposed 30-year lease agreement between the Kenyan government and India’s Adani Group for the operation of JKIA.
Union officials argue that this deal, announced in July, could lead to job losses for Kenyan workers and the influx of foreign labor.
Airport Needs Upgrades
The Kenyan government maintains that Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) operates above capacity and requires modernization.
Officials emphasize that the airport is not for sale, clarifying that no final decision has been made regarding the proposed public-private partnership to upgrade the facility.
As of 7 AM local time (4 AM GMT), the Kenya Airports Authority reported minimal operations had resumed at JKIA. The authority continues to engage with relevant parties to normalize the situation.
Social media platform X displayed videos of hundreds of passengers queuing outside JKIA’s single terminal after the strike commenced at midnight on Tuesday. The images underscore the significant disruption caused by the industrial action.
Kenya’s high court intervened on Monday, temporarily blocking the Adani Group proposal. The Indian company’s plan included constructing a new runway and upgrading the passenger terminal.
The court’s decision allows time for a judicial review challenging the proposed 30-year lease agreement.
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