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Uganda Airlines is warning passengers traveling to and from Nairobi to prepare for possible delays, as a strike by Kenyan aviation workers disrupts air traffic control operations and flight schedules at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other airports across the country.
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Ugandan Carrier Issues Advisory on Nairobi Routes
Publicly available travel advisories show that Uganda Airlines has cautioned customers booked on services to and from Nairobi that their journeys may be affected by ongoing operational constraints in Kenyan airspace. The carrier cites air traffic control challenges at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) linked to industrial action by aviation workers, warning that knock-on delays are likely on its Nairobi operations.
The advisory notes that flights between Entebbe and Nairobi remain scheduled but are vulnerable to changing departure and arrival times as airport and air navigation services in Kenya work through a growing backlog. The airline indicates that its operations team is tracking developments and adjusting schedules where necessary to keep services running while prioritizing safety.
Uganda Airlines also signals that further updates will be shared as the situation evolves, encouraging passengers to stay alert to notifications and to factor possible delays into their travel plans. The communication reflects wider regional concern about the impact of the Kenyan strike on tightly timed connections across East Africa.
Kenya Aviation Workers’ Strike Disrupts JKIA Operations
According to published coverage from regional outlets, the current disruption stems from an aviation workers’ strike affecting staff involved in air traffic control and wider airport operations at JKIA and other Kenyan airports. Reports indicate that the industrial action, called by unionized employees seeking improved terms and conditions, entered a second day on Monday with no immediate breakthrough reported in negotiations.
Local media describe widespread delays, cancellations, and schedule changes as airlines contend with restricted air traffic control capacity and extended turnaround times on the ground. Some passengers have reportedly been left waiting for hours in airport terminals, while aircraft queues and slot constraints have slowed movements in and out of Nairobi.
The Kenya Airports Authority has issued public statements acknowledging disruptions to departing flights and advising passengers to liaise directly with their airlines for the latest information on schedules and rebookings. Updates from Kenyan aviation stakeholders highlight efforts to manage safety and maintain essential services while industrial relations issues continue.
Kenya Airways and Regional Carriers Report Lengthy Delays
Kenya’s national airline, Kenya Airways, has issued its own customer updates describing significant disruption to its operations at JKIA. Coverage from local broadcasters and online news platforms indicates that the carrier is reporting delays that in some instances exceed six hours, alongside a series of rescheduled and cancelled flights as it works through a backlog created by the strike.
Kenya Airways has advised passengers to travel to the airport only once flight status has been confirmed and to keep contact details updated so that rebooking options and schedule changes can be communicated quickly. Reports also note that change penalties are being relaxed in some cases to allow affected travelers to adjust their plans without additional cost.
The disruption is not limited to Kenya Airways. Regional carriers that rely on Nairobi as a hub or key connection point, including Uganda Airlines, have been forced to adjust their operations as air traffic control capacity fluctuates. Industry coverage suggests that even airlines operating relatively short regional sectors are experiencing rolling delays as aircraft and crew rotate through congested schedules.
Impact on East African Travel and Transit Passengers
Nairobi’s JKIA functions as one of East Africa’s busiest hubs, linking regional destinations with long-haul services to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Travel industry reporting points out that the current strike is therefore having ripple effects well beyond point-to-point traffic between Kenya and neighboring countries, affecting safari itineraries, business trips, and international connections.
Passengers using Nairobi as a transit point between Uganda and onward destinations are particularly exposed to missed connections, extended layovers, and last-minute rebookings. Travel trade associations in the region have previously warned that prolonged industrial disputes at JKIA can quickly cascade across airline networks, as aircraft and crews fall out of position and recovery flights compete for scarce take-off and landing slots.
The timing is especially sensitive for tour operators and hospitality businesses that depend on reliable air links during peak travel periods. While many itineraries can be reworked around delays of a few hours, multi-day disruptions or rolling cancellations can require wholesale changes to safaris and multi-country trips, with added costs for accommodation and ground transport.
Guidance for Travelers Booked on Nairobi Flights
Based on guidance published by airlines and airport operators, passengers booked on Uganda Airlines services to or from Nairobi are being encouraged to monitor their flight status closely through official websites, mobile apps, and direct email or SMS notifications. Travelers are also being urged to allow extra time for airport formalities in case of longer queues at check-in and security.
Reports from Kenyan airports emphasize the importance of reconfirming departure times on the day of travel, as schedules may change at short notice in response to staffing levels and air traffic control capacity. Passengers with tight onward connections through Nairobi are advised to explore rebooking options where possible or to liaise with their airline about alternative routings if available.
Publicly available information from regional carriers indicates that flexibility policies, including voluntary date changes and waiver of some rebooking fees, are being used in certain cases to ease the burden on affected customers. However, travelers are being reminded that high demand for limited seats during disruption periods can make same-day alternatives difficult to secure, underscoring the value of early contact with airlines when delays are announced.
Useful source links for further updates:
ChimpReports: Uganda Airlines warns of Nairobi delays
Nile Post: Uganda Airlines Nairobi advisory
Citizen Digital: Kenya Airways announces 6-hour delays
The Standard: KAA warns of flight delays
K24 Digital: Aviation strike disrupts JKIA flights