NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A strike has delayed flights in Kenya at the main airport on Monday as workers demanded better pay and working conditions.
Kenya Airways, the East African country’s main airline, has issued a travel advisory urging customers to check their flight status before traveling to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The statement also said delays in air traffic control operations are affecting departures and arrivals and flight schedules will have to be adjusted.
“Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport without a confirmed flight status,” the airline said.
Thousands of stranded passengers could be seen outside the airport. Some families told The Associated Press that their relatives were stuck in the terminals.
The passenger, who declined to give his name and details, said they had “waited at the airport for six hours” and hoped to finally board the plane.
Trent Bryski, a Canadian passenger, said no information was provided but his visa had expired.
“We’re not actually supposed to be here because our visa says we’ve left, so they’ve given us a special letter and we don’t know when we’re leaving again,” he said.
The Kenya Airports Authority said it had taken emergency measures to minimize disruption in an attempt to resolve the ongoing strike and stressed its openness to constructive dialogue.
Airport workers went on strike last week after authorities failed to implement part of an agreement with unions. The agreement called for better working conditions and increased pay and benefits.
The airport is an important transport hub for regional and international travel.