KCAA Assures JKIA Recovery Amid Flight Delays

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has assured travellers and businesses that efforts are underway to restore normal operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following recent flight disruptions.

In a statement released on X on Monday, February 16, KCAA Director General Emile Arao said recovery efforts are ongoing and that flight schedules are being restored in a structured and prioritised manner.

He emphasised that safety remains the top priority as the authority works to clear passenger backlogs.

“Passenger backlogs are being cleared in a structured and prioritised manner. Operations are progressively stabilising, with normal schedules expected to resume as soon as possible,” Arao said, urging travellers to confirm flight details with their airlines before heading to the airport.

The disruptions, linked to labour action by aviation workers, have affected airlines, passengers, and businesses at Nairobi’s main airport, which handles millions of passengers and significant cargo annually.

Local tour operator Grace Mwangi said the delays are already affecting bookings.

“We’ve had at least 30 clients postpone outbound trips this week because of flight delays. The uncertainty adds cost and stress to our operations,” she said.

Freight operators and exporters are also feeling the impact. JKIA is a key hub for perishable exports like flowers and fresh produce. Any slowdown in flights can lead to financial losses for growers and exporters who rely on timely airlift to overseas markets.

One logistics manager said, “Delays and backlogs here mean higher warehousing costs and risk of spoilage. Our clients expect predictability, not wait times.”

Economists warn that frequent disruptions could weaken investor confidence in Kenya’s role as a regional transport hub, especially as competing airports in Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Uganda expand and modernise.

KCAA says it remains fully engaged with all aviation partners to ensure a smooth and orderly restoration of services. Arao stressed that while inconveniences are regrettable, safety and regulatory compliance cannot be compromised.

Travel experts advise passengers and cargo clients to check directly with airlines for the latest flight information. Airlines are expected to release updated schedules as operations normalise.