JKIA (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport): flights, terminals and smart travel tips
JKIA is Kenya’s main gateway and one of East Africa’s busiest airports. If you’re traveling through Nairobi, a few practical pointers will make your trip smoother — from choosing the right terminal to beating traffic and handling immigration lines.
Which airlines fly here? Major carriers like Kenya Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways and several regional airlines run regular services. That means plenty of route options but also varying check-in desks and boarding procedures depending on your carrier.
Terminals, check-in and security
JKIA uses several terminals for domestic and international flights. Always check your ticket or airline app for the exact terminal — arriving at the wrong one can cost you time. For international departures, aim to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight during peak periods; for regional flights, 90 to 120 minutes is usually enough.
Security and immigration lines can be long, especially in the morning and late evening. Have your passport, boarding pass and any required visas or eVisas ready before you reach the counters. If you’re eligible for fast-track services, keep the details handy — they can cut waiting time considerably.
Getting to and from the airport
Traffic on Mombasa Road often dictates how early you should leave for JKIA. Local ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Uber) operate to and from the airport, and metered taxis are available outside arrivals. If you prefer public transport, check local shuttle services or hotel transfers in advance so you don’t get stuck waiting.
If you plan to park, confirm parking rates and locations with the airport or your car service. Some hotels around Nairobi offer secure long-term parking and shuttle pickups — useful if you’ll be away for several days.
Want to avoid a stressful transfer? Book a driver to pick you up or drop you off at the terminal entrance and confirm meet-up points in advance. Nairobi traffic can be unpredictable, so build extra time into your schedule.
Looking for airport facilities? There are lounges, restaurants, duty-free shops and basic banking services. Amenities vary by terminal and airline class, so check what’s available on your airline’s site or JKIA’s information pages.
Have a lot of luggage or special needs? Contact your airline before travel. Airlines at JKIA typically assist with bulky items, medical needs and special assistance requests — but they appreciate advance notice.
Security reminders: don’t pack prohibited items, keep liquids under the allowed limits, and label fragile items. For international travellers, keep copies of travel documents and contact details of your embassy or consulate.
Want live updates? Follow your airline for flight status and JKIA’s official channels for airport notices. That way you’ll know about delays, terminal changes or special advisories before you reach the airport.
Need help at the airport? Look for information desks in arrivals and departures. Staff can guide you on everything from lost baggage to transport options. If you run into a problem, stay calm and ask for the airline or airport customer service desk — they’re there to help.
Travel through JKIA more than once? Keep a simple checklist: confirm your terminal, check traffic, arrive early, have documents ready, and book transfers when possible. Small steps like these cut stress and save time.
JKIA Not Up for Sale, Mudavadi Reassures Amidst Online Speculation
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has set the record straight: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is not for sale. Addressing online rumors and MPs, Mudavadi emphasized the facility's strategic importance and outlined plans for modernization but assured that any major developments would involve public endorsement and parliamentary approval.