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JKIA strike: Compensation and assistance stranded passengers should expect
31st August, 2026 02:50 PM
Passengers have been left stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after an ongoing aviation workers’ strike disrupted flight operations, causing lengthy delays, cancellations and rescheduled flights.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has advised passengers to confirm their flight status with their airlines before travelling to the airport. For those already affected, here is the assistance stranded passengers should expect and what to know about compensation.
Assistance stranded passengers should expect
The assistance available may vary depending on the airline and the circumstances of the disruption. Passengers should therefore contact their airline to establish what assistance is available for their specific booking.
- Hotel accommodation for stranded passengers
Some airlines have started arranging hotel accommodation for passengers stranded by the disruption.
Reports indicate that passengers who spent the night at JKIA after their flights were delayed or cancelled were moved to hotels, with some airlines processing hotel transfers for affected travellers.
Passengers facing an overnight delay should contact their airline and ask whether accommodation has been arranged.
However, travellers should not assume every stranded passenger will automatically receive a hotel room.
- Rebooking on another flight
Passengers whose flights have been cancelled or significantly disrupted should ask their airline about rebooking.
Depending on available seats, affected travellers may be moved to another flight.
Kenya Airways has said passengers affected by the current disruption can change or reschedule their flights without a penalty.
Passengers should confirm the new travel date and time, particularly if they have connecting flights.
- Refunds
Passengers who no longer wish to travel after a cancellation should ask their airline about refund options.
Refund terms vary depending on the airline, ticket and circumstances surrounding the cancellation.
Travellers should speak to their airline before purchasing another ticket.
Can stranded passengers claim compensation?
Being stranded or experiencing a lengthy delay does not automatically mean every passenger will receive monetary compensation.
Passengers should distinguish between assistance, such as hotel accommodation and rebooking, and compensation for a delay or cancellation.
Whether compensation is payable depends on the circumstances of the disruption, the airline’s obligations and applicable passenger-rights rules. Passengers who believe they may qualify should contact their airline and specifically ask about making a compensation claim.
They should keep their booking confirmation, boarding pass, airline messages and other evidence showing that their flight was delayed, cancelled or rescheduled.
What passengers should do if they are stranded
Passengers already at JKIA should contact their airline and establish whether their flight has been delayed, cancelled or rescheduled.
They should ask about the next available flight and whether they qualify for accommodation, meals, rebooking, a refund or other assistance.
Travellers with connecting flights should notify the airline immediately if the disruption could affect their onwards journey. Passengers should also keep their travel documents and retain emails, SMS messages and receipts for expenses incurred during the disruption.
