Hundreds of passengers were stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday night, September 10, as a strike by Kenya Aviation Authority (KAA) workers officially began, demanding transparency over a deal involving Adani Group Holdings.

The strike, which started at midnight, caused long queues and significant delays, with several flights grounded and some passengers still on the runway hours after the strike commenced. One passenger, journalist Larry Madowo, noted, “I’m on one of the last flights out of JKIA at 23:59 hours if i make it—before the airport workers’ strike begins at midnight.”

As the strike began, no planes were allowed to take off, and the airport was soon overwhelmed by the congestion. “There are now brokers getting paid to get you to the front of the line,” traveler Edwin Dande expressed frustration at the chaotic situation.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) had earlier warned of the strike, accusing the government of failing to address concerns over the deal with Indian conglomerate Adani Group, which involves the management of JKIA. Workers are concerned that the deal, kept under wraps, could lead to mass layoffs. Union representatives have stated that workers will not resume their duties until the agreement is made public.

Adding to the confusion, there were reports that incoming and outgoing passengers were mixed together, raising security concerns. “JKIA is completely overwhelmed,” said another passenger.

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The government has not yet responded to the workers’ demands, but with flights grounded and passengers stuck, the situation at Kenya’s busiest airport remains tense. Many are waiting to see if the “sky high” negotiations can bring them back down to earth.