Editing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

{{Short description|International airport in Nairobi, Kenya}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox airport
| name                = Jomo Kenyatta <br />International Airport
| nativename          = Uwanja wa ndege wa kimataifa wa Jomo Kenyatta
| nativename-a        = 
| nativename-r        = 
| image               = Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).jpg
| image-width         = 250
| IATA                = NBO
| ICAO                = HKJK
| WMO                 = 63740
| type                = Public
| owner               = 
| operator            = [[Kenya Airports Authority]]
| city-served         = [[Nairobi|Nairobi Metropolitan Region]]
| location            = [[Embakasi]], Nairobi, Kenya
| hub                 = <div>
* [[Kenya Airways]]
* [[Jambojet]]
* [[Fly540]]
* [[African Express Airways]]</div>
| opened              = {{start date and age|1958|03|9|df=yes|p=n|br=n}}
| elevation-f         = 5,330
| elevation-m         = 1,624
| coordinates         = {{coord|01|19|07|S|36|55|33|E|region:KE|display=inline,title}}
| website             = {{URL|kaa.go.ke}}
| pushpin_map         = Kenya
| pushpin_label_position = 
| pushpin_label       = '''NBO'''
| pushpin_map_alt     = 
| pushpin_mapsize     = 
| pushpin_image       = 
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Kenya
| metric-elev         = y
| metric-rwy          = y
| r1-number           = 06/24
| r1-length-f         = 13,507
| r1-length-m         = 4,117
| r1-surface          = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| stat-year           = 2020
| stat1-header        = Passengers
| stat1-data          = 984,769 {{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}
| stat2-header        = Aircraft movements
| stat2-data          = 2,000 <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kaa.go.ke/?ddownload=4716 | title=Passenger and Cargo Traffic-April 2018 | access-date=28 July 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727083653/https://www.kaa.go.ke/?ddownload=4716 | archive-date=27 July 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| stat3-header        = Economic impact
| stat3-data          = 0.01% of GDP ($781 million / KES 1.8 billion) <ref name="passengers">{{cite web | url=https://www.iata.org/policy/Documents/Benefits-of-Aviation-Kenya-2011.pdf | title=JKIA's Contribution to economy | access-date=5 May 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327084719/https://www.iata.org/policy/Documents/Benefits-of-Aviation-Kenya-2011.pdf | archive-date=27 March 2018 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| footnotes           = Latitude and longitude provided by [https://web.archive.org/web/20140106084714/https://www.kaa.go.ke/airports/nairobi-jomo-kenyatta-intl-airport/airport-information-nairobi/facts-and-figures-nairobi Kenya Airports Authority]
}}

'''Jomo Kenyatta International Airport''' {{Airport codes|NBO|HKJK}} is an [[international airport]] serving [[Nairobi]], the capital and largest city of [[Kenya]]. The other three important international airports in Kenya include [[Kisumu International Airport]], [[Moi International Airport]] and [[Eldoret International Airport]]. Located in the [[Embakasi]] suburb {{convert|18|km|0}} southeast of Nairobi's central business district, the airport has scheduled flights to destinations in over 50 countries.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://info.flightmapper.net/airport/NBO | title=Jomo Kenyatta, Nairobi (NBO) flight index | access-date=7 August 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814230547/http://info.flightmapper.net/airport/NBO | archive-date=14 August 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> Originally named '''Embakasi Airport''', the airport's name was changed in 1978 to honour [[Jomo Kenyatta]], Kenya's [[List of heads of state of Kenya|first president]] and [[Prime Minister of Kenya|Prime Minister]]. The airport served over 7 million passengers in 2016,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001232614/aviation-sector-in-new-high-as-passenger-numbers-hit-record-10-million | title=JKIA passenger numbers hit record high | access-date=5 May 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314073709/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001232614/aviation-sector-in-new-high-as-passenger-numbers-hit-record-10-million | archive-date=14 March 2017 | url-status=live }}</ref> making it the seventh busiest airport in passenger traffic on the continent.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://twitter.com/AfroVisualData/status/857929970244612096 | title=AfroVisual Data "Africa's Top 10 Busiest Airports in 2016" | access-date=5 May 2017}}</ref>

The postal code for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is 00501.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nash |title=Nairobi Postal Code is 00100 - Complete List - 2023 [BEST] |url=https://nashthuo.com/nairobi-postal-code/ |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=nashthuo.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

==History==
===1950s and 1960s===
[[File:Embakasi Airport in 1958 now JKIA.jpg|thumb|left|Embakasi Airport in 1958]]
[[File:ASC Leiden - Rietveld Collection - East Africa 1975 - 05 - 005 - Embakasi Airport (later Jomo Kenyatta International Airport), Kenya. The lawn of the airport with vans - Nairobi, Kenya.jpg|thumb|left|Embakasi Airport in 1975]]

Discussions about building the airport date back to 1945. At that time, the colonial power—Britain—and its national airline, [[BOAC]], were worried that the existing airport at Eastleigh was inadequate for post-War civilian airliners. The costs of improving Eastleigh versus developing a new airport occupied planners for eight years. Who would pay was a major issue.<ref>Pirie, Gordon: "[https://theconversation.com/nairobis-airports-windows-on-kenyas-colonial-past-and-top-down-planning-154208 Nairobi's airports &ndash; windows on Kenya's colonial past and top-down planning]".</ref>

Plans for the airport were drawn up in 1953, work started in January 1954, and by mid-1957 it was found possible to bring the operational date forward to mid-March 1958.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}} The task was by no means straightforward, and many problems —largely of a civil engineering nature—had to be overcome before the runway could be built. An extensive amount of the airport's construction was done utilizing forced labour, many of whom were suspected of being [[Mau Mau Uprising|Mau Mau members]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Rodney |first=Walter |title=How Europe Underdeveloped Africa |url=https://twitter.com/Tom_Courtright/status/1590006871032991745}}</ref> Due to the enormous pressure to finish the airport and the high amount of labour necessary, it was not uncommon to work the labourers to the point where some of them died of exhaustion. The working conditions were so poor that were reports of [[suicide]]s and [[Self-harm|self-mutilation]] among the labourers.<ref>Elkins, Caroline; "Britain's Gulag - The Brutal End of Empire in Kenya (2014), p. 187f; {{ISBN|978-1-847-92294-6}}"</ref> The site chosen, on a lava plain {{convert|18|km}} from the centre of Nairobi (the city's two other airports, Eastleigh and Wilson, are closer), has approaches free from any obstruction for at least {{convert|18|km|abbr=on}} in any direction.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

On Sunday 9 March 1958, ''Embakasi Airport'' (now JKIA) was opened by the last colonial governor of Kenya, [[Evelyn Baring, 1st Baron Howick of Glendale|Sir Evelyn Baring]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Nairobi's New Airport | url=http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1958/1958%20-%200313.PDF | access-date=7 August 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305164858/https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1958/1958%20-%200313.PDF | archive-date=5 March 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref> The airport was due to be opened by [[Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother]]; however, she was delayed in Australia due to an engine failure on her Qantas [[Lockheed Super Constellation]] aircraft. Due to this, the Queen was unable to attend the ceremony.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

The {{convert|3048|m}} runway at the then Embakasi Airport was a big improvement on Eastleigh's {{convert|2432|m}} [[murram]] runway, which in the rainy months was unsuitable for Britannias. The runway was {{convert|3048|m}} long between thresholds, and was sited roughly 06–24. The 06 approach was used on 90 per cent of the time. A basic strip {{convert|3292|m}} long and {{convert|152|m}} wide was prepared for the {{convert|46|m}} wide runway.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}} There were {{convert|8|m}} shoulders each side; and consequently {{convert|48|m}} run-offs beyond the shoulders.{{cn|date=April 2025}} After cambering, weak spots were reset, and finally paving machinery was used to lay the asphalt surface. The result was an engineering success of which the contractors were very proud; so accurate was the cambering that the wet surface of the runway dried out evenly on each side of the centre-line. Physically, the great care taken in the engineering resulted in a load classification number of 100 being achieved. The surface at the time was strong enough to accept the [[Boeing 707]] at maximum gross weight, although {{convert|4572|m}} rather than {{convert|3048|m}} length was the probable all-weather length requirement.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

At the time in 1958, Nairobi was one of the few towns in the world that could boast of a 1965 airport with an expansion option at hand. The number of aircraft movements then was less than 600 per month. The airport architect was strongly influenced by the design of Kloten, Zurich, in the planning and design of Embakasi, although similarities were by no means obvious. Both airports are arranged so that arrival passengers can see completely through the building; the minimum of signs is required. And although Embakasi was designed to meet Nairobi's particular needs, both airports shared a lightness and spaciousness that was at the time extraordinarily refreshing. The fitting and colour schemes employed at the then Embakasi Airport were first-class.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mccrow.org.uk/EastAfrica/NairobiAirport/Nairobi%20Airports.htm|title=Nairobi Airports|access-date=4 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610112910/http://www.mccrow.org.uk/EastAfrica/NairobiAirport/Nairobi%20Airports.htm|archive-date=10 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1970s, 1980s and 1990s===
[[File:KQ B707 in NBO 77.jpg|thumb|left|A Kenya Airways Boeing 707 at a Nairobi airshow in 1977]]

In 1972, the [[World Bank]] approved funds for further expansion of the airport, including a new international and domestic passenger terminal building, the airport's first dedicated cargo and freight terminal, new taxiways, associated aprons, internal roads, car parks, police and fire stations, a State Pavilion, airfield and roadway lighting, fire hydrant system, water, electrical, telecommunications and sewage systems, a dual carriageway passenger access road, security, drainage and the building of the main access road to the airport (Airport South Road). The total cost of the project was over US$29 million (US$111.8 million in 2013 dollars).<ref name="nairobiairport">{{cite web | title=Nairobi Airport Project | url=http://www.worldbank.org/projects/P001235/nairobi-airport-project?lang=en | publisher=The World Bank | access-date=7 August 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317022637/http://www.worldbank.org/projects/P001235/nairobi-airport-project?lang=en | archive-date=17 March 2014 | url-status=live }}</ref> On 14 March 1978, construction of the current terminal building was completed on the other side of the airport's single runway and opened by President Kenyatta.<ref name="terminal4">{{cite web| title=Kenya Airport Authority concedes terminal 4 may not be ready until 2014| url=http://www.eturbonews.com/32290/kenya-airport-authority-concedes-terminal-4-may-not-be-ready-unt| publisher=eTurboNews| date=15 November 2012| access-date=7 August 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514202200/http://www.eturbonews.com/32290/kenya-airport-authority-concedes-terminal-4-may-not-be-ready-unt| archive-date=14 May 2013| url-status=live}}</ref> The airport was again renamed, this time in honour of President Kenyatta after his death about five months later on 22 August 1978.{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}

In October 1994, a British Airways [[Concorde]] landed at the airport for purposes of testing the aircraft's performance at high altitude.<ref>{{cite web | title=Concord landing in Nairobi Kenya Video |website = [[YouTube]]| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwrqAvJkiwQ  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/zwrqAvJkiwQ| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live| access-date=6 May 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===2000–present===
On 10 June 2008, [[Kenya Vision 2030]] was launched by President [[Mwai Kibaki]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.vision2030.go.ke/projects/?pj=184 | title=Kenya Vision 2030 JKIA | access-date=6 May 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630012940/http://vision2030.go.ke/projects/?pj=184 | archive-date=30 June 2017 | url-status=live }}</ref> Under the vision, JKIA's aging infrastructure was to be upgraded to World Class standards. New terminals and runway upgrades were to be added in phases. The African Development Bank carried out an Environmental Impact Assessment on the development of Phase 1 of the proposed Green Field Terminal (GFT) which was expected to increase the capacity of JKIA to about 18.5 million passengers annually by the year 2030. The Greenfield Terminal project was to encompass the construction of a four level terminal building comprising a central processing area, a transit hotel, landside retail centers, arrivals and departures plaza. Ancillary facilities which would have included an access road, car parking, access taxiways, Ground Service Equipment (GSE) and bus parking areas.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Environmental-and-Social-Assessments/P-KE-DA0-004_KENYA_ESIA_Summary_JKIA_GreenField_Terminal_Building_Eng.pdf | title=Afdb JKIA Greenfield Terminal Environmental Impact Assessment | access-date=6 May 2017}}</ref>

On 29 March 2016, the KES 56 billion (US$560 million) Greenfield Terminal Project was terminated by [[Kenya Airports Authority]] because the contractor failed to secure funds, thus ending Kenya's vision of having the largest terminal in Africa.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2016/03/30/why-sh56-billion-jkia-greenfield-terminal-project-collapsed_c1321767 | title=Greenfield Terminal Project cancelled | access-date=6 May 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609204045/http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2016/03/30/why-sh56-billion-jkia-greenfield-terminal-project-collapsed_c1321767 | archive-date=9 June 2017 | url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2017, the airport was awarded a Category One Status by the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] of the United States, thus allowing possible direct flights between the US and Nairobi. Five other African countries have direct flights to the US (South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco, and Cabo Verde).<ref name="Reporter">{{cite web|first=Desie|last=Heita|url=https://www.newera.com.na/2017/05/22/air-namibia-granted-right-to-fly-into-us/|title=Air Namibia granted right to fly into US|website=New Era|date=22 May 2017|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522095711/https://www.newera.com.na/2017/05/22/air-namibia-granted-right-to-fly-into-us/|archive-date=22 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/JKIA-Category-1-status-direct-Kenya-US-flights/2560-3825284-wqeko4/index.html| title=JKIA achieves Category One Status| access-date=6 May 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503033326/https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/JKIA-Category-1-status-direct-Kenya-US-flights/2560-3825284-wqeko4/index.html| archive-date=3 May 2017| url-status=live}}</ref>

===2013 fire===
{{main|Nairobi airport fire}}
[[File:JKIA fire.jpg|thumb|Aftermath of 2013 fire at JKIA]]

On 7 August 2013, a fire originating in the immigration area caused massive damage to the airport and forced it to suspend operations temporarily. Unit 3, usually dedicated to domestic operations, was used temporarily for international traffic.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-kenya-airport-fire-economy-20130807,0,1745295.story |title="Kenya scrambles to limit economic fallout from massive airport fire", ''Los Angeles Times'', reported by Nicholas Soi and Robyn Dixon, 7 August 2013 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=7 August 2013 |access-date=7 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808230358/http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-kenya-airport-fire-economy-20130807,0,1745295.story |archive-date=8 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The worst fire in the airport's history occurred on the fifteenth anniversary of the [[1998 United States embassy bombings]] in Nairobi and [[Dar es Salaam]], but no connection was immediately obvious and no terrorist group has claimed responsibility. The cause is not believed to be intentional, as no explosive devices were discovered during the initial investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/thecounties/article/2000090537/uhuru-dismisses-any-acts-of-terrorism-in-jkia-fire |title="President Uhuru Kenyatta dismisses any acts of terrorism in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport fire," ''Standard Media'', reported by PSCU, 9 August 2013 |access-date=7 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416144336/http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/thecounties/article/2000090537/uhuru-dismisses-any-acts-of-terrorism-in-jkia-fire |archive-date=16 April 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kenya-airport-fire-idUSBRE97605T20130807 |title="Fire guts Kenya's main airport, chokes regional gateway", ''Reuters'', reported by Drazen Jorgic, 7 August 2013 |website=[[Reuters]] |date=7 August 2013 |access-date=1 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924183646/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/07/us-kenya-airport-fire-idUSBRE97605T20130807 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Kenyan officials, firefighting efforts were hampered by some of the [[first responders]] choosing to loot the airport instead of fighting the blaze.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130810040339/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/first-responders-looted-nairobi-airport-banks-shops-while-building-burned/article13662141 "First responders looted Nairobi airport banks, shops while building burned", ''Associated Press'', reported by Jason Straziuso and Tom Odula, published in ''The Globe and Mail'', 8 August 2013]</ref> International arrivals had been bused to a temporary facility set up in the ground floor of the new parkade until the reconstruction of the damaged areas. In June 2015, a new, fully functional temporary terminal building became operational. This terminal building was planned for a design life of 10 years, until completion of the planned new permanent facility.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.roderhts.com/case-studies/nairobi-airport-terminal/ |title="Nairobi Airport Terminal Building", ''Röder HTS Höcker'', accessed 17 September 2015 |access-date=17 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222174733/http://www.roderhts.com/case-studies/nairobi-airport-terminal/ |archive-date=22 December 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2024 strike===
On 11 September 2024, a strike was held by airport workers against proposals to lease the facility to the [[Adani Group]] of India for 30 years. The [[Law Society of Kenya]] and the [[Kenya National Commission on Human Rights]] also criticised the proposal, citing the airport being a "strategic national asset". The two groups also filed petitions in the [[High Court (Kenya)|High Court]] against the proposal, which led to it being suspended pending a final decision.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Passengers stranded amid strike at main Kenya airport |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rdg13z1j7o |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Facilities==

===Terminals===

[[File:Terminal 1A JKIA airside.jpg|thumb|Terminal 1A airside in 2017]]

There are two terminals. Terminal 1 is arranged in a semi-circular orientation and is divided into four parts: 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1E are used for international arrivals and departures while terminal 1D is used for domestic departures and arrivals.<ref>[https://www.kaa.go.ke/airports/nairobi-jomo-kenyatta-intl-airport/airport-information-nairobi/facts-and-figures-nairobi "Facts and Figures – Nairobi", ''Kenya Airports Authority'', 9 December 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106084714/https://www.kaa.go.ke/airports/nairobi-jomo-kenyatta-intl-airport/airport-information-nairobi/facts-and-figures-nairobi |date=6 January 2014 }}</ref> Terminal 2 is used by low-cost carriers. The original terminal, located on the north side of the runway, is used by the [[Kenya Air Force]] and is sometimes referred to as ''Old Embakasi Airport''.<ref name="mediamaxnetwork.co.ke">{{cite web | url=http://www.mediamaxnetwork.co.ke/business/280980/jkia-terminal-expansion-aims-25m-passengers/ | title=JKIA Terminal expansion targets 25m Passengers | access-date=5 May 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216070121/http://www.mediamaxnetwork.co.ke/business/280980/jkia-terminal-expansion-aims-25m-passengers/ | archive-date=16 December 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Figures from [[Kenya Airports Authority|KAA]] indicate that the airport's Terminal 1-A has a capacity of 2.5 million passengers <ref>{{cite web|url=https://kaa.go.ke/press_release/jkias-terminal-ia-arrivals-terminal-to-commence-operations/|title=JKIA's Terminal IA Arrivals Terminal to Commence Operations|date=26 April 2016|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211133451/https://www.kaa.go.ke/press_release/jkias-terminal-ia-arrivals-terminal-to-commence-operations/|archive-date=11 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Kenyan government is targeting over 25 million passengers annually by 2025 on the expansion of JKIA's terminals.<ref name="mediamaxnetwork.co.ke"/> In 2016, JKIA accounted for more than 70 per cent of overall passenger traffic in the country. It also had over 7 million passengers pass through it. Domestic travellers through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) made up 40% cent of overall passengers in 2016. This is an increase from 32% five years prior (2012).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001232614/aviation-sector-in-new-high-as-passenger-numbers-hit-record-10-million | title=Passenger numbers hit record high | access-date=5 May 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314073709/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001232614/aviation-sector-in-new-high-as-passenger-numbers-hit-record-10-million | archive-date=14 March 2017 | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Terminal 1A: International departures and arrivals====
Terminal 1A has a capacity of 2.5 million passengers a year and three levels, 30 check-in counters, 12 departure gates, ample seating, and food and retail options. The arrivals area houses five baggage carousels. This terminal is used primarily by Skyteam member airlines.

====Terminal 1B: International departures====
Terminal 1B houses common-use check-in counters, with security check points leading to the departure lounge on level 1. On level one is the Aspire lounge as well as duty-free shopping outlets and cafes.

====Terminal 1C: International departures====
This terminal houses common-use check-in counters, with security checkpoints leading to the departure lounge on level 1. On level 1 are duty-free shops, Kenya Airways Simba Lounge and the Turkish Airlines Lounge and a cafe.

====Terminal 1D: Domestic flights====
This terminal serves departing and arriving passengers on domestic flights. It is occupied only by Kenya Airways and its subsidiary, Jambojet.

====Terminal 1E: International arrivals====
Following the closure of the main international arrivals and departures terminal after a [[Nairobi airport fire|fire]], a parking facility was converted into the temporary international arrivals terminal.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130815104316/http://www.chieftain.com/news/world/1708375-120/fire-airport-flights-nairobi "Inferno roars through E. Africa's largest airport", ''Associated Press'', reported by Jason Straziuso and Tom Odula, published in ''The Pueblo Chieftain'', 7 August 2013]</ref>

This terminal was subsequently opened to serve arriving passengers on airlines operating out of Terminals 1B and 1C.

Remodeling and extending Terminals 1B, 1C and 1D was scheduled for 2017, after which JKIA was predicted to be able to handle 12 million passengers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifly.com/nairobi-airport|title=Nairobi Kenyatta International NBO Airport - Embacasi, Nairobi, Kenya|website=www.ifly.com|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621200631/http://www.ifly.com/nairobi-airport|archive-date=21 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Terminal 2: Low-cost carriers====
This terminal serves mainly [[low-cost carrier]] airlines (LCCs). The prefabricated terminal opened in April 2015 with a capacity of 2.5M passengers. It was originally intended to relieve overcrowding. Terminal 2 houses international and domestic check-in desks and boarding gates. Current lounges at Terminal 2 include the Mara Lounge and Mount Kenya Lounge, both at airside, Level 1, and open 24 hours.

====Terminal 3====
Terminal 3, also referred to as the "Greenfield Terminal", is a projected new terminal building with a capacity of 20 million passengers per year.<ref name=":0">[https://theexchange.africa/industry-and-trade/why-kenya-must-act-now-to-revive-jkias-greenfield-terminal/ "Why Kenya must act now to revive JKIA's Greenfield Terminal"] - The Exchange Africa</ref> Construction first began in 2014, but was cancelled in 2016.<ref name=":0" />

With passenger numbers at the airport nearing the capacity limit, Roads, Transport, and Public Works Cabinet Secretary [[Kipchumba Murkomen]] announced in 2023 that the President [[William Ruto]]'s government would resume the project in 2024 as a [[public-private partnership]] (PPP) with an expected completion in 2027.<ref>[https://www.citizen.digital/news/new-jkia-terminal-to-be-constructed-in-3-years-murkomen-tells-senators-n331802 "New JKIA Terminal to be Constructed in 3 Years, Murkomen Tells Senators"] - Citizen Digital</ref>

===Lounges===
In January 2015, the Simba Lounge and Pride Lounge on the second floor of Terminal 1A were opened.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Simba Lounge Terminal 1A {{!}} Kenya Airways Ground Handling Services |url=https://groundhandling.kenya-airways.com/service-portfolio/simba-lounge-terminal-1A/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624062926/https://groundhandling.kenya-airways.com/service-portfolio/simba-lounge-terminal-1A/ |archive-date=2023-06-24 |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=groundhandling.kenya-airways.com}}</ref> The two facilities, with a combined capacity of 350 people, were developed at a cost of KES 135 million ($1.35 million), and are for the use of KQ's Premier World and SkyTeam's Sky Priority passengers. There is also a [[Turkish Airlines]] Lounge (T1D), as well as the [[Swissport]] Aspire Lounge (T1C). Both are regular lounges, which can be accessed by elite status or a paid-pass.

===Second runway===
In January 2017, a new [[instrument landing system]]-equipped runway {{convert|5500|m|ft}} in length was approved for construction at a cost of KES 37 billion shillings (approximately US$370 million).<ref name="Runway">{{cite web|url=http://www.constructionkenya.com/4222/new-runway-jkia-decades-waiting/|title=New runway for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after decades of waiting|website=www.constructionkenya.com|date=30 January 2017|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517035153/http://www.constructionkenya.com/4222/new-runway-jkia-decades-waiting/|archive-date=17 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> According to KAA's managing director John Anderson, construction of the new runway (which will be bigger than the existing one) was scheduled to begin in 2017. It would have doubled aircraft movement from 25 to 45 per hour. The new runway was designed as a category 2 runway and would have complemented the older runway built in the 1970s. The proposed design of the project was a {{convert|4.8|km|mi}} long and {{convert|75|metre|foot}} wide runway. The current runway is {{convert|60|m|ft}} wide and {{convert|4.2|km|mi}} long. This is an ICAO code F which can handle the new generation wide bodied aircraft like the [[Airbus A380]] and the Boeing [[747-8]]. The new runway was designed with fog lights, whereas the current runway is only lit at the sides. The runway would also have enabled long haul flights to destinations like New York city carrying up to 32 tonnes of passengers and cargo.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.constructionkenya.com/4222/new-runway-jkia-decades-waiting/| title=JKIA New Runway| date=30 January 2017| access-date=5 May 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517035153/http://www.constructionkenya.com/4222/new-runway-jkia-decades-waiting/| archive-date=17 May 2017| url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, however, the government signaled that this project was no longer a priority.<ref>{{Cite web |last=April 09 2019 |first=Tuesday |date=2020-12-19 |title=JKIA disruptions to persist as second runway put off indefinitely |url=https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/shipping-logistics/jkia-disruptions-to-persist-as-second-runway-put-off-indefinitely-2245690 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=Business Daily |language=en}}</ref>

==Airlines and destinations==
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===Passenger===
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{{Airport destination list
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| {{nowrap|[[African Express Airways]]<ref>[http://africanexpress.net/ africanexpress.net - Booking] retrieved 13 February 2021</ref>}} | [[Bosaso Airport|Bosaso]], [[Garowe Airport|Garowe]], [[Hargeisa International Airport|Hargeisa]], [[Juba International Airport|Juba]], [[Aden Adde International Airport|Mogadishu]]
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| [[Air Arabia]] | [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]]
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| [[Air France]] | [[Paris–Charles de Gaulle]]
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| [[Air India]] | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230307-ainbo|title=AIR INDIA NS23 KENYA OPERATION CHANGES|work=Aeroroutes|accessdate=7 March 2023}}</ref>
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| [[Air Tanzania]] | [[Julius Nyerere International Airport|Dar es Salaam]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/shipping-logistics/air-tanzania-ups-stake-for-east-african-skies-3627352?view=htmlamp|title = Air Tanzania ups stake for East African skies &#124; Business Daily}}</ref>
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| [[AirAsia X]] | [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]] (ends 1 September 2025)<ref>{{cite web |title=AirAsia X Plans Nairobi Debut in Mid-Nov 2024|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240623-d7nw24nbo |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=23 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=AirAsia X Cancels Nairobi Service From Sep 2025 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250502-d7sep25nbo |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=2 May 2025}}</ref>
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| [[Airlink]] | [[O. R. Tambo International Airport|Johannesburg–O.R. Tambo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230329-4znbo|title=Airlink Adds Johannesburg - Nairobi from Late-April 2023|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=29 March 2023|accessdate=24 October 2024}}</ref>
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| [[Asky Airlines|ASKY Airlines]] | [[Lomé–Tokoin International Airport|Lomé]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230804-kp4q23nbo|title=ASKY AIRLINES ADDS LOME – NAIROBI IN 4Q23|work=Aeroroutes|accessdate=4 August 2023}}</ref>
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| [[British Airways]] | [[Heathrow Airport|London–Heathrow]]
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| [[Brussels Airlines]] | [[Brussels Airport|Brussels]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Lufthansa Group Carriers NS24 Intercontinental Network Adjustment – 13SEP23 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230913-lhgns24inc |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=13 September 2023}}</ref>
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| [[China Southern Airlines]] | [[Changsha Huanghua International Airport|Changsha]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/284092/china-southern-adds-changsha-nairobi-service-from-late-june-2019/|title=China Southern adds Changsha – Nairobi service from late-June 2019|publisher=routesonline|access-date=29 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429110537/https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/284092/china-southern-adds-changsha-nairobi-service-from-late-june-2019/|archive-date=29 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]]<ref>{{cite web |title=China Southern Adds Guangzhou – Islamabad / Nairobi Service in 1Q23 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/221227-czjan23can |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=27 December 2022}}</ref>
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| [[Daallo Airlines]] | [[Aden Adde International Airport|Mogadishu]]
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| [[Egyptair]] | [[Cairo International Airport|Cairo]]
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| [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]] | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]
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| [[Ethiopian Airlines]] | [[Bole International Airport|Addis Ababa]]
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| [[Etihad Airways]] | [[Zayed International Airport|Abu Dhabi]]<ref>{{cite web |title=UAE's Etihad Airways resumes flights to Nairobi|url=https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/uaes-etihad-airways-resumes-flights-to-nairobi-1.1723120259965|website=gulfnews|access-date=8 August 2024}}</ref>
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| [[Gulf Air]] | [[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]] (resumes 2 June 2025)<ref>{{cite web|title=Gulf Air announces direct flights to Nairobi, Kenya|url=https://www.traveldailynews.com/aviation/gulf-air-announces-direct-flights-to-nairobi-kenya|publisher=Travel daily news international|access-date=20 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Liu|first=Jim|title=Gulf Air Resumes Nairobi Service From June 2025|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250320-gfns25nbo|website=AeroRoutes|date=20 March 2025}}</ref>
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| [[IndiGo]] | [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230628-6eaug23nbo|title=INDIGO SCHEDULES NAIROBI AUGUST 2023 LAUNCH|work=Aeroroutes|accessdate=29 June 2023}}</ref>
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| [[Jambojet]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/jambojet-woos-travellers-with-sh1-000-fare-in--4082138|title=Jambojet woos travellers with Sh1,000 fare in one-day drive|publisher=Business Daily|date=11 January 2023}}</ref> | [[Eldoret International Airport|Eldoret]], [[Goma International Airport|Goma]], [[Manda Airport|Lamu]], [[Kisumu International Airport|Kisumu]], [[Malindi Airport|Malindi]], [[Moi International Airport|Mombasa]], [[Ukunda Airport|Ukunda/Diani Beach]]
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| [[Jubba Airways]] | [[Aden Adde International Airport|Mogadishu]]
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| [[Kenya Airways]] | [[Port Bouet Airport|Abidjan]],<ref name="routesonline.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/269397/kenya-airways-ends-abuja-gaborone-service-from-nov-2016/|title=Kenya Airways ends Abuja / Gaborone service from Nov 2016|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515083606/http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/269397/kenya-airways-ends-abuja-gaborone-service-from-nov-2016/|archive-date=15 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kotoka International Airport|Accra]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int">{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250325-kqns25int|title=Kenya Airways NS25 International Service Changes – 23MAR25|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=25 March 2025|accessdate=25 March 2025|language=en}}</ref> [[Bole International Airport|Addis Ababa]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]], [[Ivato Airport|Antananarivo]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Bamako–Sénou International Airport|Bamako]], [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230814-kqnov23bkk|title=KENYA AIRWAYS RESUMES BANGKOK SERVICE FROM LATE-NOV 2023|work=Aeroroutes|accessdate=14 August 2023}}</ref> [[Chileka International Airport|Blantyre]], [[Maya-Maya Airport|Brazzaville]], [[Bujumbura International Airport|Bujumbura]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Cape Town International Airport|Cape Town]], [[Blaise Diagne International Airport|Dakar–Diass]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Julius Nyerere International Airport|Dar es Salaam]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport|Djibouti]], [[Douala International Airport|Douala]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Dzaoudzi Pamandzi International Airport|Dzaoudzi]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Eldoret International Airport|Eldoret]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Kenya Airways NS24 African Destinations Service Resumption |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240308-kqns24af |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref> [[Entebbe International Airport|Entebbe]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Lungi International Airport|Freetown]],<ref name="routesonline.com"/><ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/292980/kenya-airways-plans-to-resume-guangzhou-service-from-mid-august-2020/|title=Kenya Airways plans to resume Guangzhou service from mid-August 2020}}</ref> [[Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport|Harare]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[O. R. Tambo International Airport|Johannesburg–O.R. Tambo]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Juba Airport|Juba]], [[Kigali International Airport|Kigali]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Kilimanjaro International Airport|Kilimanjaro]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[N'djili Airport|Kinshasa–N'djili]], [[Kisumu Airport|Kisumu]], [[Murtala Muhammed International Airport|Lagos]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Léon-Mba International Airport|Libreville]], [[Kamuzu International Airport|Lilongwe]], [[Livingstone Airport|Livingstone]], [[Gatwick Airport|London–Gatwick]] (begins 2 July 2025),<ref>{{cite web |title=Kenya Airways Adds London Gatwick Service From July 2025 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241206-kqns25lgw |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=6 December 2024}}</ref> [[Heathrow Airport|London–Heathrow]], [[Quatro de Fevereiro Airport|Luanda]], [[Lubumbashi International Airport|Lubumbashi]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Lusaka International Airport|Lusaka]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Seychelles International Airport|Mahé]], [[Malindi Airport|Malindi]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/284175/kenya-airways-resumes-malindi-service-from-june-2019/ |title=Kenya Airways resumes Malindi service from June 2019 |access-date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503111011/https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/284175/kenya-airways-resumes-malindi-service-from-june-2019/ |archive-date=3 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Maputo International Airport|Maputo]], [[Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport|Mauritius]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kenya-airways.com/uploadedFiles/Content/About_Us/Media_Room/Press_Releases/PRESS%20RELEASE-%20KQ%20Mauritius.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=14 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023337/https://www.kenya-airways.com/uploadedFiles/Content/About_Us/Media_Room/Press_Releases/PRESS%20RELEASE-%20KQ%20Mauritius.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Aden Adde International Airport|Mogadishu]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Kenya Airways Resumes Mogadishu Service From Feb 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231123-kqfeb24mgq |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=22 November 2023}}</ref> [[Moi International Airport|Mombasa]], [[Roberts International Airport|Monrovia–Roberts]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport|Moroni]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]], [[Nampula Airport|Nampula]], [[Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport|Ndola]],<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/> [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|New York–JFK]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/294477/kenya-airways-nov-2020-international-operations-as-of-19oct20/|title=Kenya Airways Nov 2020 International Operations as of 19OCT20|publisher=Airlineroute|date=20 October 2020|access-date=20 October 2020}}</ref> [[Paris–Charles de Gaulle]], [[Victoria Falls Airport|Victoria Falls]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newzimbabwe.com/business-36798-Kenya+Airways+moves+Vic+Fals+launch/business.aspx|title=Kenya Airways moves Vic Fals launch|website=www.newzimbabwe.com|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526034341/http://www.newzimbabwe.com/business-36798-Kenya+Airways+moves+Vic+Fals+launch/business.aspx|archive-date=26 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Abeid Amani Karume International Airport|Zanzibar]]<ref name="aeroroutes_250325-kqns25int"/>
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| [[KLM]] | [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]] 
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| {{nowrap|[[LAM Mozambique Airlines]]}} | [[Julius Nyerere International Airport|Dar es Salaam]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/284466/lam-mozambique-consolidates-dar-es-salaam-nairobi-service-from-late-may-2019/ |title=LAM Mozambique consolidates Dar es Salaam / Nairobi service from late-May 2019 |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720171303/https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/284466/lam-mozambique-consolidates-dar-es-salaam-nairobi-service-from-late-may-2019/ |archive-date=20 July 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Maputo International Airport|Maputo]], [[Pemba Airport (Mozambique)|Pemba]]  
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| [[Lufthansa]] | [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt]]
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| [[Malawi Airlines]] | [[Kamuzu International Airport|Lilongwe]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/271143/malawian-airlines-schedules-new-ns17-routes/|title=Malawian Airlines schedules new NS17 routes|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202023240/http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/271143/malawian-airlines-schedules-new-ns17-routes/|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Precision Air]] | [[Julius Nyerere International Airport|Dar es Salaam]], [[Kilimanjaro International Airport|Kilimanjaro]], [[Zanzibar International Airport|Zanzibar]]
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| [[Qatar Airways]] | [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]
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| [[RwandAir]] | [[Entebbe International Airport|Entebbe]], [[Kigali International Airport|Kigali]]
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| [[SalamAir]] |[[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 November 2024 |title=SalamAir 1Q25 East Africa Network Expansion |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241120-ov1q25ea |access-date=20 November 2024 |website=AeroRoutes}}</ref>
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| [[Saudia]] | [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]]
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| [[Turkish Airlines]] | [[Istanbul Airport|Istanbul]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onemileatatime.com/istanbul-airport-transition-delay/|title=Istanbul New Airport Transition Delayed Until April 5, 2019 (At The Earliest)|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227232218/https://onemileatatime.com/istanbul-airport-transition-delay/|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| [[Uganda Airlines]] | [[Entebbe International Airport|Entebbe]]
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| [[Zambia Airways]] | [[Kenneth Kaunda International Airport|Lusaka]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Zambia Airways Adds Dar es Salaam / Nairobi Service From late-June 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240516-znjun24ea |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref>
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}}

=== Cargo ===
{{Airport destination list
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| [[Kenya Airways Cargo]] | [[Entebbe International Airport|Entebbe]], [[Dubai Airport|Dubai]], [[Sharjah Airport|Sharjah]], [[Jeddah Airport|Jeddah]], [[Riyadh Airport|Riyadh]], [[Dakar Airport|Dakar]],[[Lagos Airport|Lagos]], [[N'Djamena Airport|N'Djamena ]], [[Mogadishu Airport|Mogadishu]], [[Mumbai Airport|Mumbai]]
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| [[Astral Aviation]]<ref>{{cite web|title=EX – NAIROBI SCHEDULE|url=https://astral-aviation.com/schedule/ex-nairobi-schedule/|website=[[Astral Aviation]]|access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=ASTRAL AVIATION AND SPICEXPRESS ENTER INTO A PIONEERING INTERLINE AGREEMENT FOR SEAMLESS CARGO CONNECTIONS ACROSS INDIA, AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST|url=https://astral-aviation.com/astral-aviation-and-spicexpress-enter-into-a-pioneering-interline-agreement-for-seamless-cargo-connections-across-india-africa-and-the-middle-east/|work=[[Astral Aviation]]|date=4 February 2021|access-date=1 August 2023|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Charters|url=https://astral-aviation.com/charters/|website=[[Astral Aviation]]|access-date =2 August 2023}}</ref> | [[Aktobe International Airport|Aktobe]], [[Julius Nyerere International Airport|Dar es Salaam]], [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]], [[Al Maktoum International Airport|Dubai–Al Maktoum]], [[Entebbe International Airport|Entebbe]], [[Robert Mugabe International Airport|Harare]], [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]], [[O. R. Tambo International Airport|Johannesburg–O.R. Tambo]], [[Juba Airport|Juba]], [[Kigali International Airport|Kigali]], [[Liège Airport|Liège]], [[Kamuzu International Airport|Lilongwe]], [[Kenneth Kaunda International Airport|Lusaka]], [[Maputo International Airport|Maputo]], [[Aden Adde International Airport|Mogadishu]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Mumbai]], [[Mwanza Airport|Mwanza]], [[Pemba Airport (Mozambique)|Pemba]], [[Abeid Amani Karume International Airport|Zanzibar]]<br>'''Charter:''' [[Aden International Airport|Aden]], [[Djibouti International Airport|Djibouti]], [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]], [[Hargeisa International Airport|Hargeisa]]
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| [[Cargolux]] | [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]], [[O. R. Tambo International Airport|Johannesburg–O.R. Tambo]], [[Luxembourg Findel Airport|Luxembourg]], [[Maastricht Aachen Airport|Maastricht/Aachen]]
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| [[EgyptAir Cargo]] | [[Cairo International Airport|Cairo]]
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| [[Emirates SkyCargo]] | [[Al Maktoum International Airport|Dubai–Al Maktoum]], [[Maastricht Aachen Airport|Maastricht/Aachen]]
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| [[FedEx Express]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/2022/05/fedex-express-launches-its-first-regular-flight-into-kenya/ | title=FedEx Express launches its first regular flight into Kenya | date=26 May 2022 }}</ref> | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]
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| [[Lufthansa Cargo]] | [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt]], [[O.R. Tambo International Airport|Johannesburg–O.R. Tambo]]
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| [[Martinair]] | [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]], [[O.R. Tambo International Airport|Johannesburg–O.R. Tambo]]
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| [[Network Airline Management]] | [[London–Stansted]]
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| [[Qatar Airways Cargo]] | [[Brussels Airport|Brussels]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]] 
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| {{nowrap|[[Saudia Cargo]]}} | [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]], [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]], [[Maastricht Aachen Airport|Maastricht/Aachen]]
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| [[Silk Way Airlines]] | [[Heydar Aliyev International Airport|Baku]], [[London Stansted Airport|London–Stansted]], [[Maastricht Aachen Airport|Maastricht/Aachen]]
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| [[Singapore Airlines Cargo]] | [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]], [[O.R. Tambo International Airport|Johannesburg-O.R. Tambo]], [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]], [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]]
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| [[Turkish Cargo]] | [[Entebbe International Airport|Entebbe]], [[Istanbul Airport|Istanbul]], [[N'djili Airport|Kinshasa–N'djili]], [[Maastricht Aachen Airport|Maastricht/Aachen]]
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}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cargo at JKIA > Kenya Airports Authority |url=https://www.kaa.go.ke/corporate/cargo/cargo-at-jkia/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Kenya Airports Authority |language=en-GB |archive-date=11 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611141847/https://www.kaa.go.ke/corporate/cargo/cargo-at-jkia/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Other facilities ==
* Amaica, a restaurant offering authentic Kenyan and African cuisine, has its store in Terminal 1A Level 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eatout.co.ke/nairobi/amaica-jkia|title=Amaica JKIA, Embakasi, Nairobi - Restaurant & Reviews|website=EatOut|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807000707/http://eatout.co.ke/nairobi/amaica-jkia|archive-date=7 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
* American fast food chain [[Hardee's]] has an outlet at JKIA Terminal 1-A.
* [[African Express Airways]] has its head office on the airport property.<ref>[http://www.africanexpress.co.ke/index.htm "AFRICAN EXPRESS AIRWAYS CONTACTS", African Express Airways, accessed 13 August 2013] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005175828/http://www.africanexpress.co.ke/index.htm |date= 5 October 2013 }}</ref>
* The Kenya Airports Authority also has its head office at the airport.<ref>"[http://www.kenyaairports.co.ke/kaa/misc/disclaimer.html Terms of Use] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012191127/http://www.kenyaairports.co.ke/kaa/misc/disclaimer.html |date=12 October 2010 }}." [[Kenya Airports Authority]]. Retrieved on 26 May 2011. "Kenya Airports Authority is a company registered in Kenya, whose registered office is at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya.</ref>

==Statistics==
{{Airport-Statistics|iata=NBO}}

== Ground transport==
The main entrance to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is on Airport South Road, which can be accessed by an exit from the A109 highway (Mombasa Road). The new 2022 expressway can connect travellers to the airport with no turns or traffic from the city.

Passengers can also travel to and from the airport via city Bus Route Number 34.

On 7 December 2020, [[Nairobi airport rail link|a rail link to central Nairobi]] went into operation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otieno |first=Bonface |date=2020-12-07 |title=Kenya Railways unveils Sh500 JKIA service |url=https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/corporate/companies/kenya-railways-unveils-sh500-jkia-service-3221708 |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=Business Daily |language=en}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==

* On 20 November 1974, [[Lufthansa Flight 540]], a [[Lufthansa]] Boeing 747-130, D-ABYB, LH 540, "[[Hessen]]" ([[German state]]), delivered 1970, crashed on takeoff from runway 24 in [[Nairobi]] killing 59 of the 157 on board. The aircraft was on a flight from Frankfurt to Nairobi then Johannesburg. This was the first fatal accident and third hull loss of a Boeing 747.
* On 17 May 1989, a [[Boeing 707]]-330B operated by [[Somali Airlines]] aborted takeoff and then overran the wet runway and crashed into a rice field. The plane had 70 passengers and crew on board, but no fatalities resulted. The airplane was damaged beyond repair.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19890517-0 |title=Accident description, ''Aviation Safety Network'', 17 May 1989 |access-date=10 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227061838/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19890517-0 |archive-date=27 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* On 4 December 1990, a [[Boeing 707]]-321C freighter operated by [[Sudania Air Cargo]] struck an electricity pole {{convert|5|km|mi}} short of runway 06 and crashed in flames. Visibility was {{convert|500|m|ft}} in fog with a {{convert|30|m|ft}} cloud base. All 10 occupants on board died. The airplane was damaged beyond repair.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accident Boeing 707-321C ST-SAC, Tuesday 4 December 1990 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/325897 |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}</ref>
* On 6 June 2012, [[EgyptAir]] Flight 849, an [[Airbus A320]], blew a tire while landing and veered off runway 06. Portions of the aircraft obstructed the runway, necessitating closure of the airport. Inbound flights were diverted to other airports in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. None of the 123 passengers and crew was injured.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-06/kenya-reopens-nairobi-airport-after-egyptair-plane-removed | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130807144036/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-06/kenya-reopens-nairobi-airport-after-egyptair-plane-removed | url-status=dead | archive-date=7 August 2013 | title=Kenya Reopens Nairobi Airport After EgyptAir Plane Removed | date=6 June 2012| publisher=Bloomberg Businessweek | access-date=7 August 2013}}</ref>
* On 2 July 2014, a [[Fokker 50]] crashed after takeoff due to a mechanical failure, killing all four people on board.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ranter|first=Harro|title=ASN Aircraft accident Fokker 50 5Y-CET Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20140702-0|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424180939/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20140702-0|archive-date=24 April 2017|access-date=2017-07-01|website=aviation-safety.net|publisher=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref>
* On 4 January 2015, a [[Fokker 50]] carrying six people crashed after a landing gear failure. Of the six on board, no injuries were reported. Jomo Kenyatta Airport was temporarily closed and all flights were diverted to [[Moi International Airport]], [[Mombasa]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ranter|first=Harro|title=ASN Aircraft accident Fokker 50 5Y-SIB Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20150104-0|access-date=2022-02-07|website=aviation-safety.net|publisher=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|group=Associated Newspapers Ltd.}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category-inline|Jomo Kenyatta International Airport}}
* [https://www.kaa.go.ke Kenya Airports Authority – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]
* {{NWS-current|HKJK}}
* {{ASN|NBO}}

{{Portal bar|Kenya|Aviation}}
{{Airports in the Kenya}}
{{African Airports TOP 10}}
{{Nairobi}}

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[[Category:Transport in Nairobi|Airport]]
[[Category:Airports in Kenya]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1958]]
[[Category:Jomo Kenyatta|Airport]]