Dubai: Emirates cancels flights to and from Nairobi amid worker strike

The biggest union of Kenya's aviation workers said they would take industrial action over a proposed agreement by India's Adani Group

Poojaraj Maniyeri

Published: Wed 11 Sep 2024, 1:06 PM

Last updated: Tue 17 Sep 2024, 11:29 AM

Two Emirates flights from Dubai to Nairobi have been cancelled on Wednesday, September 11. The affected flights are EK719 and EK721, initially scheduled to depart at 10.30am and 3.55pm, respectively.

According to a statement by the airline, the flights were cancelled due to "industrial action." Affected passengers will be rebooked to the "next best available flight," Emirates stated. An evening flight from Nairobi (EK720) to Dubai, scheduled to depart at 4.35pm has also been cancelled, Emirates has confirmed to Khaleej Times.

The airline added that affected passengers can inquire about accommodation at the check-in counter; however, "it's not guaranteed" that customers will be provided with one.

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Flight delays and cancellations for incoming and outgoing passengers were seen after the biggest union of Kenya's aviation workers said they would take industrial action over a proposed deal for India's Adani Group to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union said the agreement would lead to job losses and bring in non-Kenyan workers. Kenya's high court on Monday temporarily blocked the Adani proposal to allow time for a judicial review challenging the lease.

The Kenya Airports Authority, which is responsible for managing the airport, said minimal operations at JKIA had resumed by 7am (4am GMT) and it was engaging with relevant parties to normalise the situation.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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