Workers at Kenya's Nairobi airport called off a one-day strike after receiving assurances from the government that the Kenya Aviation Workers Union would have the right to review the 30-year lease proposed by India's Adani Group.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport had experienced significant flight delays and cancellations as aviation workers protested the airport's proposed 30-year lease to India's Adani Group, which includes a $1.85 billion investment by Adani to expand the Kenya's main airport.
Union leaders said the government and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union would review the Adani proposal documents within ten days to ensure that any agreement would require the union's consent, according to local media. They also reiterated that no strike participants would face any repercussions.
While the strike disrupted services, airport operations reportedly returned to normal by midday. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority noted that air traffic control services were unaffected, but many passengers experienced long waits for flight updates.
The union raised concerns that the deal with Adani, which manages several airports in India, could lead to job losses and an influx of non-Kenyan workers.
The Kenyan government argues that the airport needs upgrading and is operating above capacity, but has made it clear that it is not for sale.
On Monday, a High Court ruling temporarily blocked the Adani proposal pending a judicial review, with supporters arguing that Kenya could independently secure the necessary funding to upgrade the airport.