Nigerian passengers stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday expressed anger over what they described as neglect by Kenya Airways following widespread flight disruptions linked to an ongoing strike by air traffic controllers.

The reason for the strike remained unclear as of Monday evening.

Videos online showed heated exchanges between Nigerian passengers and airline officials at the airport, while security personnel watched as tensions mounted.

Among those affected was Bolaji Tunji, an aide to former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu.

Tunji said he had expected to arrive in Lagos by 11am after travelling from the United Kingdom but was left stranded in Nairobi.

Tunji said the prolonged delay had become increasingly distressing, particularly because a sick child was among the stranded passengers.

He said, “I was coming from the UK, and since I landed this morning here in Nairobi, no Kenya Airways flight had departed from this airport.

“I am supposed to have arrived in Nigeria at 11 am. In fact, there is a child here who is sick.

“Yes, we learnt that there was a strike, but it looks like it has been resolved because some aeroplanes are taking off. But Kenya Airways have specifically neglected Nigerians, and that is why people are currently protesting here.”

The disruption has been attributed to industrial action by air traffic control workers in Kenya.

In an earlier update on its X handle, Kenya Airways said the strike had caused delays of more than six hours and created a significant backlog, forcing the airline to reschedule and cancel some flights.

The airline said its teams were working “round the clock” to manage the disruption and minimise its impact on passengers.

It advised travellers not to proceed to the airport unless they had a confirmed flight, urging passengers to check their flight status through the Kenya Airways website or mobile application before travelling.