Adani deal protest: Flights grounded at Kenya’s main airport as workers go on strike

Kenya Airways staff walk past passengers waiting for their flights during a strike by the Kenya Airports Union workers to protest against a proposed deal for India’s Adani Group. ADEL.NS to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years, in Nairobi, September 11, 2024. | Photo credit: Reuters

Hundreds of workers at Kenya’s main international airport protested on Wednesday (September 11, 2024) against a planned deal between the government and the Adani Group.

Planes are grounded and hundreds of passengers are stranded at the airport.

Also read: Anti-Adani protests in Kenya may turn into anti-India protests: Jairam Ramesh

The government has said that under a build and operate agreement with the Adani Group, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will be renovated, and an additional runway and terminal will be constructed, in return for the group operating the airport for 30 years.

The Kenya Airport Workers Union announced the strike, saying the deal would lead to job losses and “substandard terms and conditions of service” for those who remain.

Flight delays, cancellations

Kenya Airways on Wednesday announced that flights would be delayed and even cancelled due to the ongoing strike at Nairobi airport.

Last week, airport workers had threatened to go on strike but the plan was put on hold pending talks with the government.

Local media reported last week that unidentified men were seen roaming around airport officials, taking notes and photographs, raising concerns that officials of the Indian company were preparing for the deal.

The High Court on Monday temporarily stayed the implementation of the agreement until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is heard.