Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Kenya's main international airport, undergoing modernization with new terminals and lounges, offering a gateway to East Africa.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Smoother arrivals, less crowded
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Best Time
Smoother arrivals, less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kenya's main international airport, undergoing modernization with new terminals and lounges, offering a gateway to East Africa.
"While JKIA can feel dated, its newer sections and Kenya Airways' service offer a promising travel experience."
✈️ Embrace the New Terminals
Seek out the newer sections of JKIA for a more modern and functional airport experience.
☕️ Relax in Airport Lounges
Utilize lounges like Plaza Premium for a comfortable wait with food and amenities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
New Terminals & Lounges
Various sections of JKIA
Experience the modern side of JKIA with its newer terminals and upgraded lounges, offering a glimpse of improved facilities.
+1
Local Craft & Coffee Shops
Departure gates
Browse local crafts and grab a coffee while waiting for your flight, adding a touch of Kenyan culture to your transit.
Kenya Airways Experience
Kenya Airways check-in and onboard
Many travelers praise Kenya Airways for its good customer service and surprisingly top-notch food, especially the beef.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating JKIA: First Impressions
Modern Upgrades & Potential
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✈️ Embrace the New Terminals
Seek out the newer sections of JKIA for a more modern and functional airport experience.
☕️ Relax in Airport Lounges
Utilize lounges like Plaza Premium for a comfortable wait with food and amenities.
🍽️ Try Kenya Airways Food
Don't miss the highly-rated meals on Kenya Airways, especially the beef dish.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Scans
Expect security scans even when exiting taxis; it's a unique JKIA procedure.
Tips
from all over the internet
✈️ Embrace the New Terminals
Seek out the newer sections of JKIA for a more modern and functional airport experience.
☕️ Relax in Airport Lounges
Utilize lounges like Plaza Premium for a comfortable wait with food and amenities.
🍽️ Try Kenya Airways Food
Don't miss the highly-rated meals on Kenya Airways, especially the beef dish.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Scans
Expect security scans even when exiting taxis; it's a unique JKIA procedure.
💰 Shop Smartly
Airport shops can be pricey; consider your purchases carefully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is a functional transit hub with mixed reviews. While it's undergoing modernization with new terminals and lounges, some areas feel dated and cleanliness is a concern. Staff friendliness can vary, and the airport can get crowded, impacting passenger flow. However, the experience with Kenya Airways is often praised for its good service and food.
"Nairobi Airport is not very big and feels quite old. The cleanliness could definitely be improved, as the facilities don’t feel very well maintained. Unfortunately, the staff are not particularly friendly or welcoming, which makes the experience less pleasant.
There are many shops, but the prices are not cheap, so shopping there isn’t very appealing. The smoking areas are especially disappointing — one small area outside and another inside the airport, both dirty and without proper ventilation or fans.
Overall, the airport works for basic transit, but it could really benefit from upgrades in cleanliness, staff service, and amenities."
PegiTa (PegiTa)
"Had the experience of travelling to this airport during our recent Kenya trip. All formalities were completed fast on arrival from India at 5.30AM.
The arrival lounge was pretty old looking and missing the modern day look of an airport.
The departure terminal was comparatively modern. We were in 1C. But the process and formalities were carried out fast."
PARTHA BHATTACHARJEE
"My first time ever boarding a place was with Kenyan airways and I must say I loved every bit of it, though the security was tight I didn't mind I was just excited. One more thing I loved the food, it was top notch.
Advise from me to you always order the beef it's amazing"
Dalitso Kazembe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt also operate in Nairobi and can be a more affordable option. The journey to the city center typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
While direct public transport is limited, some hotels offer shuttle services for their guests. It's advisable to pre-book a hotel shuttle or arrange for a taxi or ride-share in advance, especially for late-night arrivals.
While JKIA is generally considered safe, it's wise to be cautious when arriving late. Pre-arranging your transport with a reputable hotel or taxi service is recommended for peace of mind.
At JKIA, you might be asked to exit your taxi for a scan before getting back in. This is a specific procedure at this airport.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are operational at JKIA and can be a convenient way to get around Nairobi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
JKIA operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as it is a major international hub.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your layover. It's best to check with your airline or the Kenyan immigration authorities for specific requirements.
Yes, there is a special VIP airport lounge reportedly for government officials, which is noted as a unique feature.
Upon arrival, passengers go through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. Some reviews mention fast formalities for arriving passengers.
Visa on arrival policies can change. It is highly recommended to check the latest regulations with the Kenyan embassy or consulate in your country before your travel.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
JKIA offers shops, restaurants, and cafes. Newer terminals include more modern facilities and lounges. Wi-Fi availability can be inconsistent.
Cleanliness is a recurring concern in reviews, with some areas described as not well-maintained. Upgrades are ongoing in newer sections.
There are various shops and restaurants offering different cuisines. Some travelers have praised the food on Kenya Airways.
Yes, there are designated smoking areas, though some reviews describe them as small, dirty, and lacking proper ventilation.
The airport can get crowded, and lines may not move quickly due to poor management and lack of seating in some areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is permitted in public areas of the airport. However, it's always advisable to be discreet and avoid photographing security personnel or sensitive areas.
The newer terminals and lounges offer modern backdrops. Observing aircraft movements from designated viewing areas or through terminal windows can provide good opportunities.
Yes, flying drones near airports is strictly prohibited due to aviation safety regulations. Ensure you are aware of and comply with all local laws regarding drone usage.
Travel vlogs and videos are common, showcasing the airport experience. Just be mindful of other passengers and privacy.
Night landings can be challenging due to runway lighting conditions, but offer a unique photographic opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for the newer terminals and lounges if possible, as they offer a more modern and comfortable environment.
While Kenya Airways offers good food, keep in mind that the airport itself might require more patience. Planning ahead and managing expectations will help make the family's journey through JKIA as stress-free as possible.💰 Budget Travelers
Be prepared for potentially long waits and crowded conditions, which might mean standing for extended periods due to a lack of seating.
💼 Business Travelers
While the airport's older sections may lack modern business facilities, the presence of these upgraded lounges can significantly enhance the travel experience. Pre-arranging transport is crucial to ensure punctuality for meetings or onward travel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating JKIA: A Traveler's Perspective
+1Despite some of the older facilities, JKIA efficiently handles a large volume of travelers. The airport is named after Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president, and reflects the nation's growing connectivity. For those transiting, there are opportunities to explore local crafts and enjoy coffee, adding a cultural touch to the travel experience.
The presence of a special VIP lounge for government officials is also a unique observation. When planning your journey through JKIA, it's advisable to be prepared for potential crowds and varying levels of service. Pre-booking transportation, especially for late-night arrivals, is a wise precaution.
The Kenya Airways Experience: Beyond the Airport
Security at JKIA and on Kenya Airways flights is noted as being tight, but for many, this doesn't detract from the overall positive experience. The excitement of flying, especially for first-time flyers, is palpable, and the airline's efforts in providing a good meal contribute significantly to this.
For those flying with Kenya Airways, anticipating a good meal and efficient, albeit strict, security can set the right expectations. It's a reminder that the airline experience can often compensate for any shortcomings at the airport itself, making the journey memorable for the right reasons.
Navigating Airport Security and Procedures at JKIA
Beyond this unique taxi procedure, general security at JKIA is described as tight. While this can sometimes lead to longer queues or a feeling of being scrutinized, it's generally perceived as a measure to ensure passenger safety.
It's also worth noting that while security is a priority, the overall organization and passenger flow can sometimes be a challenge at JKIA. Lines may not always move quickly, and there can be a lack of seating in certain areas, contributing to a less-than-ideal passenger experience.
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