Hundreds of passengers have been stranded at Kenya's main airport after workers went on strike over a planned takeover by an Indian company.

The aviation workers' union opposed proposals to lease the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi for 30 years, arguing that the deal could lead to job losses.

After union members walked out this morning, flights were delayed and cancelled.

The government has, however, defended the proposal, saying the airport is operating beyond capacity and needs private investment to upgrade it.