Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Set for Major Expansion to Enhance Capacity and Service

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Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is poised for a significant transformation with the upcoming construction of a new terminal designed to accommodate 20 million travelers annually. This expansion is part of the Airport’s Medium Term Investment Plan, which spans three years and aims to boost capacity, improve service standards, and enhance competitiveness in the global aviation market.
The plan includes not only the addition of the new terminal but also the expansion of runways and aircraft parking facilities, facilitating efficient landing and take-off operations to alleviate congestion and enhance safety. Notably, the number of parking bays is set to increase from nine to 21 by 2040, with cargo throughput projected to reach 741,000 tonnes during this period.
Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar emphasized the significance of expanding airline destinations. “We are enhancing travel not just between Kenya and Mozambique but also creating new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange,” he stated. He further underscored the vital role of the aviation sector in the country’s economic development, forecasting an annual traffic growth of 4.0%, which could result in 42.1 million passengers by 2050.
JKIA currently handles 80% of network passengers and 90% of cargo operations in Kenya, with the capacity to process 35 aircraft per hour. Its strategic location as a gateway into Africa positions Kenya to receive over 8 million passengers annually.
In early February, JKIA General Manager Selina Gor announced plans for a dedicated terminal for VIPs, including CEOs of global corporations. She indicated that a specific floor in this terminal would be reserved for premium lounges, responding to requests from leading airlines like Emirates and Qatar for exclusive areas to accommodate high-end clients. “We aim to create a terminal specifically for high-end travelers arriving in Kenya on chartered flights,” Gor explained.
According to the 2024 Economic Survey, JKIA welcomed 4,136.9 thousand international passengers, with 36 out of every 100 being inbound tourists. This influx has spurred key developments in the airline sector, including the introduction of direct flights from three new airlines: Indigo (Mumbai-Nairobi), Fly Dubai (Dubai-Mombasa), and Airlink (Johannesburg-Nairobi).
On June 12, the Cabinet approved the National Aviation Policy, aimed at maximizing the aviation sector’s contribution to Kenya’s growth. The policy’s objectives include achieving global and regional consistency, addressing legal and regulatory considerations, and meeting stakeholder expectations.