Nairobi Airport

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya facts, map and passenger information then make a virtual video landing at Nairobi Airport. The airport's history begins not as Jomo Kenyatta International but as Embakasi Airport, which was officially opened in 1958 by the last colonial Governor of Kenya, Evelyn Baring. For trivia buffs, it was due to be opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II, however she was delayed in Australia at the time and the ceremony went ahead in her absence. Jomo Kenyatta International is one of four main airports in Kenya with the others being Kisumu International Airport (located in western Kenya on the shore of Lake Victoria), Moi International Airport, (which serves the city of Mombasa and surrounding communities) and Eldoret International Airport (located in mid-western Kenya close to the border with Uganda).

At the time of opening, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was a modern marvel for its time, designed to handle the new age of jet aircraft and replace the older, constrained Eastleigh Airport and today is the largest airport in East and Central Africa. Following Kenya's independence, the airport underwent a significant transformation. In 1978, the current terminal complex was constructed on the opposite side of the runway, and the airport was renamed in honour of Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta. This renaming was a powerful statement, cementing the airport's identity as a proud national asset.

The airport has continued to evolve, facing challenges and demonstrating remarkable resilience, most notably after a major fire in 2013, which destroyed the international arrivals hall. The incident spurred a period of rapid modernisation and expansion, resulting in the upgraded and more efficient facilities that greet travellers today. At the core of JKIA's operation is a diverse and extensive network of airlines connecting Nairobi to the rest of the globe. The airport serves as the primary hub for Kenya's flag carrier, Kenya Airways, affectionately known as "The Pride of Africa." From JKIA, Kenya Airways operates a vast network, linking the continent's major cities from Accra to Johannesburg, while also providing crucial long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, and North America. Beyond the national carrier, JKIA is served by a host of major international airlines, cementing its status as a strategic connection point. Industry giants like Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines all maintain a significant presence, offering passengers a wide array of choices for international travel. This robust competition and connectivity have made JKIA an indispensable hub for both business and leisure travellers looking to access not only Kenya but the wider East and Central African region.

The destinations served from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a spiderweb that extends across continents. Direct flights connect Nairobi to major European hubs, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, which are crucial for tourism and trade. In the Middle East and Asia, key gateways such as Dubai, Doha, Guangzhou, and Mumbai are seamlessly connected, facilitating significant cargo and passenger traffic. Perhaps most importantly, JKIA functions as a critical intra-African hub. It offers one of the most comprehensive networks on the continent, with frequent flights to nearly every major African capital, making it an essential transit point for travellers moving within Africa without having to detour through Europe or the Middle East. This role is crucial in enhancing regional integration, trade, and tourism.

Nairobi Airport

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Inside Nairobi Airport

The scale of Nairobi Airport's operation is best understood through its passenger numbers. Before the global travel disruptions of 2020, the hub consistently handled over seven million passengers annually, placing it firmly among the top ten busiest airports in Africa. While these numbers saw a temporary decline, the airport has shown a strong recovery, demonstrating its enduring importance. This traffic is a mix of international tourists arriving to experience Kenya's famous safaris and beaches, business travellers drawn to Nairobi's growing status as a regional corporate headquarters, a significant diaspora community, and passengers in transit to other destinations. To accommodate this volume and future growth, continuous upgrades are underway. The airport's master plan includes further expansion of terminals and potentially a second runway to increase capacity and ensure JKIA can comfortably meet the rising demands of global aviation for decades to come.

Inside the terminals, the facilities have been developed to cater to the needs of the modern traveller. The airport comprises two main terminals. Terminal 1 is arranged in a semi-circular orientation and is divided into several concourses (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E) handling international arrivals and departures, while Terminal 2 is a more recent, prefabricated facility serving low-cost carriers. Passengers will find a wide range of amenities, including extensive duty-free shops offering everything from international luxury goods to unique Kenyan crafts and coffee. Dining options are plentiful, with a variety of restaurants and cafes providing both international cuisine and local flavours. For premium passengers, JKIA hosts several high-quality lounges, such as the Kenya Airways Pride and Simba Lounges, which offer a quiet and comfortable retreat with complimentary food, beverages, showers, and business facilities. Practical services like multiple foreign exchange bureaus, banking facilities, free Wi-Fi, and well-maintained prayer rooms ensure a smooth and convenient passenger experience. Ground transportation is also well-organised, with official taxis, ride-sharing services, and a commuter rail link connecting the airport to the city centre, making the final leg of the journey straightforward.

In the video (above) take a virtual flight and make a landing at Nairobi airport described by passengers as "long, low, confusingly laid out (arriving passengers are released right into the departure lounges), and stuffy. The air is stale and there doesn't seem to be any sort of ventilation system." "Worst airport in world and Kenya Airlines clueless" etc. Our own experiences here at the African Volunteer Network were better, however you do get the impression you are a suspect under military guard from the moment you arrive to the moment of departure despite a disinterested "have a nice flight" as staff stare suspiciously at your passport as you leave! As you come into land at Nairobi Airport you can also see Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, standing at 19,341 feet above sea level.

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