Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Kenya, located in Embakasi, a suburb of Nairobi. It serves as the main gateway to the country, connecting Kenya to various international destinations. The airport is located at a latitude of -1.319167 and a longitude of 36.9275. Its IATA code is NBO, and its ICAO code is HKJK.
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Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a modern airport. It can handle up to 7.5 million passengers each year. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 serving domestic flights and Terminal 2 serving international flights. The airport has many facilities and services. These include duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and currency exchange services.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has been getting upgrades and expansions in recent years. These changes aim to improve its capacity and efficiency. These upgrades include the construction of a new terminal, Terminal 4, which is expected to increase the airport’s capacity to handle up to 12 million passengers annually. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a key travel hub for Kenya. It has a great location and modern facilities.
History
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the biggest airport in Kenya. It is the main entry point to East and Central Africa. The airport is located in Embakasi, a suburb of Nairobi, and covers an area of 4,500 acres. Talks about building the airport started in 1945. However, Embakasi Airport did not open for commercial traffic until 1958.
Originally called Embakasi Airport, it was renamed in 1978 to honor Jomo Kenyatta. He was the first President and Prime Minister of Kenya. Nairobi Embakasi Airport closed on March 14, 1978. This allowed for the opening of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Since it opened, the airport has had many expansions and upgrades. These changes help meet the growing need for air travel in the area. In 2019, the airport served more than 7 million passengers. This made it the seventh busiest airport in Africa for passenger traffic.
Today, JKIA is a modern and well-equipped airport with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. It is home to over 40 passenger airlines and 25 cargo airlines, making it a vital hub for air travel in Africa.
Location and Access
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located in Embakasi, a suburb of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The airport is situated approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the city center and is easily accessible by road.
Travelers can reach the airport by taxi, matatus (minibuses), or private car. Taxis are readily available throughout Nairobi and can be hailed from any location. Matatus are a popular mode of transportation in Kenya and are an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers. However, matatus can be crowded and uncomfortable. It is important to check that the matatu is licensed and in good condition before you board.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport provides ample car parking facilities for travelers who prefer to drive themselves. The airport has both short-term and long-term parking options, with rates varying depending on the duration of the stay. The parking lots are secure and well-lit, providing travelers with peace of mind while they are away.
Overall, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is conveniently located and easily accessible, making it a popular choice for both domestic and international travelers.
Terminals and Facilities
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the largest aviation facility in Kenya and the busiest airport in East Africa. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected by a walkway.
Terminal 1 is the older of the two terminals and primarily serves domestic flights. It has four boarding gates, A1 to A4. It also has basic facilities like restaurants, duty-free shops, and currency exchange counters. Terminal 1 also has a VIP lounge that is accessible to passengers with premium tickets.
Terminal 2 is the newer and larger terminal, capable of handling both domestic and international flights. It has 19 boarding gates, C1 to C19, and is equipped with modern facilities such as duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. Terminal 2 has two lounges. They are the Kenya Airways Simba Lounge and the Turkish Airlines Lounge. Passengers with premium tickets or membership cards can access these lounges.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) manages security at JKIA and takes it very seriously. Passengers must undergo security screening before entering the boarding areas. The KAA security section also handles lost and found property. Passengers who lose items are advised to check with this section.
JKIA is a modern airport with state-of-the-art facilities that cater to the needs of passengers. The two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, have both basic and modern facilities. These include duty-free shops, restaurants, free Wi-Fi, charging stations for devices, and lounges. The KAA manages security at JKIA and takes it very seriously. The airport has many facilities. There is a medical center, a prayer room for different faiths, and a children’s play area. These services help meet the needs of passengers.
Airlines and Destinations
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the largest airport in Kenya and is located in Nairobi. It serves as a hub for several local and international airlines, connecting passengers to various destinations around the world.
Local Airlines
Kenya Airways, the flag carrier of Kenya, is based at JKIA and offers both domestic and international flights. Fly540 and Jambojet are two local airlines. They operate from JKIA and offer domestic flights to many places in Kenya.
African Express Airways is another local airline that operates from JKIA. It offers both domestic and international flights to destinations such as Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda.
International Airlines
JKIA is a major hub for international airlines, connecting passengers to over 50 countries around the world. Some of the international airlines that operate from JKIA include:
- Air France: Offers flights to Paris, France.
- Emirates: Offers flights to Dubai, UAE.
- Ethiopian Airlines: Offers flights to various destinations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Qatar Airways: Offers flights to Doha, Qatar.
- Turkish Airlines: Offers flights to Istanbul, Turkey.
- KLM: Offers flights to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- South African Airways: Offers flights to Johannesburg, South Africa.
- RwandAir: Offers flights to various destinations in Africa and the Middle East.
- Precision Air: Offers flights to various destinations in Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Passengers can also connect to other international destinations through these airlines’ hubs. JKIA connects to many places in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This makes it a popular choice for travelers.
Airport Operations
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Kenya’s main airport. It is in the Embakasi suburb, 15 kilometers southeast of Nairobi’s center. The airport has a single terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.
The airport’s ICAO code is HKJK, and its IATA code is NBO. JKIA has one runway, which is 4,900 meters long and can handle large aircraft such as the Airbus A380. The runway is designated 06/24 and is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Approach Lighting System (ALS).
JKIA is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has an Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS). This service gives pilots important information about the weather, the runway in use, and other key details. The airport’s elevation is 1,624 meters above sea level, and it operates in East Africa Time Zone (EAT).
JKIA is a Category 9 airport, which means that it can handle all types of aircraft, including the largest, such as the Antonov An-225. The airport has a capacity of handling up to 7.5 million passengers annually. JKIA is also home to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), which manages and operates all airports in Kenya.
In terms of the airport’s type, JKIA is a civil airport that serves both domestic and international flights. The airport has many facilities. These include duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and other services for passengers. JKIA also has a cargo terminal that handles both domestic and international cargo.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a modern and efficient airport that provides excellent services to its passengers and airlines. Its location in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, makes it an important gateway to the country and East Africa.
Nearby Attractions
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Nairobi is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. There are several attractions near the airport that visitors can explore before or after their flight.
Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park is located a short drive from Jomo Kenyatta Airport. It is known for being home to black rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and lions. You can also find cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and ostriches. Baboons, vultures, crocodiles, and many types of antelope live there too. Visitors can go on game drives and guided walks to explore the park and see the animals up close. The park is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Beach Areas
Mombasa is a popular beach destination in Kenya, located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can take a short flight from Jomo Kenyatta Airport to Mombasa. They can enjoy the beautiful beaches, warm weather, and clear blue waters. There are several resorts, hotels, and restaurants in Mombasa that cater to tourists.
Nairobi City Tour
Visitors can take a city tour of Nairobi to explore the city’s history, culture, and landmarks. The tour includes a visit to the Nairobi National Museum, Uhuru Park, and the Karen Blixen Museum. Visitors can also see the Nairobi skyline from the top of the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre is located in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, about 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta airport. Visitors can get up close and personal with giraffes and even feed them. The centre also has a nature trail and a gift shop.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a conservation organization that rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and rhinos. Visitors can visit the trust’s Nairobi nursery and see the baby elephants up close. The nursery is open daily from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Overall, there are several attractions near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that visitors can explore. From the Nairobi National Park to the beaches of Mombasa, there is something for everyone.
Contact Information
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is one of the busiest airports in East and Central Africa. It serves millions of passengers every year. It’s important to have correct and current contact information. This way, you can reach the airport if needed. Here’s what you need to know:
Phone
If you need to contact JKIA by phone, you can call their main switchboard at +254-020-6822111/6611000/6612000. This number can be used for general inquiries, as well as for contacting specific departments within the airport.
For non-urgent inquiries or requests, you can email JKIA at info@kaa.go.ke. You can use this email address for many things. You can ask questions about airport services. You can also make suggestions or complaints. Additionally, you can request information about flights or travel.
App
JKIA has a mobile app that can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. The app offers many helpful features. It includes real-time flight information, airport maps, and details about airport services and amenities. The app also allows passengers to book parking, order food, and access exclusive discounts and offers.
In addition to these contact options, JKIA also has a presence on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These channels can be used to stay up-to-date on airport news and events, as well as to ask questions or provide feedback.
Arrivals and Departures
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the biggest airport in Kenya. It is the main entry point for international travelers coming to the country. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which handle both domestic and international flights.
Arrivals
Passengers arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport can expect a smooth and efficient experience. The airport has a special arrivals area in both terminals. It has services like baggage claim, currency exchange, and immigration. International passengers must pass through immigration and customs before exiting the terminal building.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport receives flights from several international airlines, including Emirates, British Airways, and Qatar Airways. Passengers can find the latest arrival information on the airport’s official website. They can also use flight tracking websites like Airportia or FlightRadar24.
Departures
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s departure area is located on the upper level of both terminals. Passengers leaving the airport should arrive at least two hours before their flight. This gives time for check-in, security, and immigration.
The airport offers a range of facilities for departing passengers, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. Passengers can also find currency exchange services, ATMs, and car rental facilities in the terminal building.
Passengers can find the latest departure information on the airport’s official website. They can also use flight tracking websites like Airportia or FlightRadar24.
International Flights
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a key place for international travel. It has flights to and from many places around the world. The airport is a gateway to East Africa. It connects to major cities like Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, and Kigali.
Travelers on international flights should check the latest travel rules and entry requirements for their destination country before flying. The airport has implemented several measures to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers. Some of them including enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures, social distancing measures, and mandatory mask-wearing policies.
Immigration
Passengers arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport must pass through immigration before exiting the terminal building. The immigration process involves presenting a valid passport and any necessary visas or travel documents. Passengers should make sure their travel documents are current. They must also meet the entry requirements of their destination country.
Immigration procedures at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are generally efficient and straightforward. It has dedicated immigration officers and processing facilities for both domestic and international passengers. Passengers should follow the instructions of immigration officers. They should also cooperate with any extra screening measures in place.
Airport Authority
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is managed and operated by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). KAA is a state corporation that was established in 1991 under the KAA Act. It is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of all airports and airstrips in Kenya.
KAA is run by a Board of Directors. The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development, and Public Works appoints them. The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction and policy guidance to the Authority. The daily operations of KAA are run by a team of skilled professionals. They are led by the Managing Director.
KAA’s mission is to provide safe, secure, efficient, and profitable airports that meet the needs of all stakeholders. To achieve this mission, KAA has put in place various measures to enhance the passenger experience at JKIA.
Measures Include :
- Check-in Guidelines: Departure halls have clearly marked check-in counters. Airline and KAA ground staff are available to facilitate passengers through boarding procedures and on to the immigration desks. To make the check-in process easier for passengers, KAA has set up self-check-in kiosks at various points of the airport.
- Information Desks: KAA has set up information desks in different areas of the airport. These desks help both arriving and departing passengers. The KAA security section handles lost and found property. Passengers who lose items are advised to check with this section.
- Customer Service: KAA has won several awards for excellence in customer service. The Authority is committed to providing high-quality services to all passengers, airlines, and stakeholders.
In conclusion, KAA plays a critical role in the management and operation of JKIA. The Authority is committed to providing safe, secure, efficient, and profitable airports that meet the needs of all stakeholders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need at the airport Kenya?
All passengers must have a valid passport, a visa (if required), and a completed immigration arrival card.
How long does it take to get through customs in Nairobi?
The time it takes to clear customs in Nairobi can vary depending on the number of passengers arriving and the time of day. Typically, it takes between 30 minutes to an hour to clear customs.
How early should I arrive at Nairobi airport?
Passengers should get to the airport at least 3 hours before international flights. For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours early.
What are the lounges available at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has several lounges for passengers. These include the Kenya Airways Simba Lounge, the Turkish Airlines Lounge, the KQ Pride Lounge, and the Swissport Lounge.
What is the address of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
The address of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is Airport South Rd, Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya.