On September 11, 2024, a significant labor strike unfolded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya's primary international gateway. This action resulted in substantial flight delays and cancellations, affecting both departing and arriving passengers, as reported by Kenya Airways.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union initiated the industrial action in response to a proposed 30-year lease agreement with India's Adani Group, announced in July 2024. This deal aims to modernize and expand JKIA, which currently operates above its designed capacity of 7.5 million passengers annually.
Union representatives expressed concerns that the proposed partnership could lead to job losses and the introduction of non-Kenyan workers. However, the Kenyan government maintains that no final decision has been made regarding the public-private partnership, emphasizing that the airport is not for sale but requires significant upgrades.
The strike, which commenced at midnight on September 10, 2024, led to chaotic scenes at JKIA. Social media platforms displayed images of hundreds of passengers queuing outside the airport's single terminal. Local media footage captured airport workers chanting "Adani must go" while blowing plastic trumpets, highlighting the intensity of the protest.
JKIA, originally opened in 1958 as Embakasi Airport, has been a crucial economic driver for Kenya, facilitating tourism and trade. The airport serves over 40 passenger airlines and 25 cargo airlines, underscoring its importance to the region's connectivity and economy.
"We are committed to ensuring the smooth operation of JKIA while addressing the concerns of our workforce. The proposed modernization project aims to enhance the airport's capacity and efficiency, benefiting both passengers and employees in the long term."
In a significant development, Kenya's high court temporarily blocked the Adani proposal on September 9, 2024. This judicial intervention allows time for a review of the challenges raised against the lease agreement. The proposed deal includes plans for Adani Group to construct a new runway and upgrade the passenger terminal, potentially increasing JKIA's capacity and efficiency.
As the situation unfolds, the strike at JKIA not only disrupts air travel but also highlights the complex interplay between national infrastructure development, foreign investment, and local labor concerns in Kenya's aviation sector.