Somalia-Kenya flights disrupted for second day amid Nairobi airport strike

Monday August 31, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Flights between Somalia and Kenya were suspended for a second day Monday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at airports in both countries and elsewhere in the East African region.

The disruption has particularly affected flights between Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of the region’s busiest routes for Somali travelers.

The route is used regularly by business travelers, medical patients, aid workers and members of the Somali diaspora.

Aviation sources said several flights between Mogadishu and Nairobi had been canceled amid widespread delays and disruptions at JKIA linked to industrial action by air traffic controllers and Kenya Airports Authority staff.

Hundreds of passengers are facing delays and uncertainty over when flights will resume.

Passengers have also reported difficulties with accommodation, food and ticket rebooking as airlines try to manage the large number of delayed and canceled flights.

The strike has disrupted flight operations across Kenya, with several airlines delaying or rescheduling services.

Workers are demanding improved welfare, better working conditions and implementation of previously agreed employment benefits.

A new round of talks between unions and airport managers was expected Monday after earlier discussions ended without an agreement.

JKIA is a key regional transport hub, and the disruption has affected domestic and international flights, including connectivity between Somalia and Kenya.

Nairobi has long served as a major transit point for Somali and international travelers heading to the Middle East, Europe and other destinations.