Kenya Airways Resumes Flights After Strike, Offers Free Rebooking

Kenya Airways has begun restoring its flight schedules after an air traffic control strike disrupted operations, allowing affected passengers to rebook without paying additional charges.

The airline said on Tuesday that it was working to clear a backlog of flights after aviation workers ended their industrial action earlier in the day. The strike, which began on 30 August, disrupted operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other key hubs, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Kenya Airways expects delays to continue in the short term but said normal operations should resume by Wednesday, 2 September. Passengers affected by the disruption have been advised to check their flight status through the airline's website or mobile app. They can also update their contact details through the Manage Booking option.

The airline said customers would receive updates about flight changes through SMS, WhatsApp and email using the contact details provided when they made their bookings. Kenya Airways has also expanded its customer support channels.

Passengers can contact its Customer Excellence Centre or reach the airline on WhatsApp at +254 705 474 747. An additional helpline is available on +254 711 024 747. The strike ended after the Kenya Aviation Workers Union signed a return-to-work agreement with the Ministry of Transport, allowing aviation workers to resume their duties.

Acting Kenya Airways chief executive George Kamal, who recently addressed investors at the airline's headquarters, has said passenger safety and staff welfare remain central to the carrier's recovery efforts. Kenya Airways has apologised to passengers for the disruption and said its teams were working to restore normal services and clear the backlog of affected flights.