The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) has weighed in on the ongoing flight disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), expressing serious concern over the industrial action by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) that has brought significant chaos to the country’s aviation sector.

In a statement released on Tuesday, February 17, KALPA said that the strike by KAWU personnel, including Air Traffic Control staff, has caused widespread flight delays, diversions, and cancellations that have left passengers and aviation stakeholders frustrated and inconvenienced.

While KALPA stopped short of taking sides in the labour dispute, the pilots’ body made it clear that passenger and crew safety cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

“Aviation safety is non-negotiable,” the association stated, warning that the ongoing disruptions risk adversely affecting crew scheduling and rest periods, thereby dangerously increasing pilot fatigue.

KALPA emphasized the critical importance of adhering to established Flight Duty Period limitations and mandatory rest requirements during this turbulent period.

“Under no circumstances should operational pressures be allowed to compromise these limits,” the association stressed, noting that these regulatory safeguards exist specifically to ensure that flight operations remain within internationally accepted safety parameters.

On the labour dispute itself, KALPA called for cooler heads to prevail, urging all parties to return to the negotiating table in good faith.

“Approaches that frustrate negotiations or entrench positions only lead to avoidable stalemates and further disruption to the industry and the travelling public,” the association said.

KALPA reaffirmed the association’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, safety, and constructive industrial engagement, with the ultimate goal of building a stable, resilient, and thriving aviation sector in Kenya.