Jomo Kenyatta International Airport [JKIA] – Ultimate Terminal Guide 2024

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the busiest airport in Kenya based on 2023 passenger numbers (8,800,000). JKIA is a major hub for Kenya Airway which has sole occupation of Terminal 1A.

Although all of the airport’s five terminals are physically connected to each other, it’s easy to travel between them and the parking garages by walking and utilizing the free airport inter-terminal bus transport service

Quick Information

Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Terminals: 6 total: Terminals 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E ,T2
Airport Address: Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya
Distance From Nairobi City Center 16.4 km
Website: https://www.kaa.go.ke/
Phone Number: +254 020 822111
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here online

Table of Contents

  1. JKIA Terminal Map

  2. Airlines Operating from JKIA

  3. JKIA Airport Terminals

  4. JKIA Terminal 1A – International Arrivals & Departures

  5. JKIA Terminal 1B – International Departures

  6. JKIA Terminal 1C – International Departures

  7. JKIA Terminal 1D – Domestic Arrivals and  Departures

  8. JKIA Terminal 1E – International Arrivals

  9. JKIA Terminal 2 – International Arrivals and Departures

  10. JKIA Inter-terminal Transport

  11. JKIA Airport Lounges

  12. JKIA Airport Lost and Found

  13. Additional Airport Information

  14. Travel to and From JKIA

  15. JKIA Airport Parking Information

  16. JKIA Airport Hotels

  17. Final Thoughts

  18. JKIA Frequently Asked Questions

1.JKIA Terminal Map

JKIA Terminal Map

JKIA Terminal Map

2.Airlines Operating from JKIA

Terminal 1A-Arrival and Departures

  •   Kenya Airways
  •  British Airways
  •  KLM
  •  Air France
  •  Air India
  •  Saudia Airlines
  •  Precision air
  •  Ethiopian air
  • China Southern

3.JKIA Airport Terminals

Jomo Kenyatta Airport is deigned semi circular shape, with 6 terminals, short and long term parking lots, and a road system on the outside and the departure walk paths inside the terminals.Terminals 1A,1B,1C,1D, 1E and T2 are located next to each other and are directly connected via any walkways or bridges and Terminal T2 is located a little further away. Passengers can easily walk to connect between all 5 terminals.

 

A) Terminal 1A-Arrival and Departures

  •   Kenya Airways
  •  British Airways
  •  KLM
  •  Air France
  •  Air India
  •  Saudia Airlines
  •  Precision air
  •  Ethiopian air

B) Terminal 1B-1C Departures Only

  • Emirates
  • Ethiopian
  • Air Tanzania
  • Uganda airlines
  • Qatar airways
  • Lufthansa
  • Airlink
  • Rwand Air
  • Asky

C) Terminal 1D -Domestic Arrival and Departures

  • All domestic arrivals and departures for Kenya Airways and Jambo Jet

D) Terminal 1E -International Arrivals

  • British Airways
  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • Airlink
  • Rwandair
  • British Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • Air Tanzania
  • Uganda Airlines
  • Asky Arrivals

 

JKIA Arrival Terminal 1A

4. JKIA Terminal (1A) -International Arrivals & Departures

Terminal 1A is the newest of all the terminals, having opened at the end of August 2023. The bright and spacious terminal is a welcomed contrast to the old building and is able to accommodate 2.5 million passengers annually.
Terminal 1A has 12 gates spread out in the whole terminal.
Additionally at both the entrances (Business class & Economy class) of terminal 1A there is a primary security check point that screens all passengers bags.
After completion of the secondary security check point, you shall walk into the main duty free.
Gates14-24 are located in the left side or west side of the main duty free.
Remainder Gates 12,13 are located to the northern or straight across the main duty free.

JKIA Departure Terminal 1B

5. JKIA Terminal (1B) -International  Departures

Terminal B is the second international departure terminal at JKIA and consists of 4 departure gates (12-9).
Gates start from no 9 as you walk forwards they add up in a straight curve until gate 12.
As of to-date, airlines that depart on this terminal gates are:

  • Emirates departures
  • Ethiopian departures
  • Air Tanzania departures
  • Uganda airlines departures

There are several many shops, restaurants and duty free shops at terminal 1B pathways that passengers can utilize.
Terminal B has only Aspire lounge ,located after security in Terminal 1B opposite gate 11.The lounge can also be accessed from the International Terminals (1A, 1B, 1C)

JKIA Departure Terminal 1C

6. JKIA Terminal (1C) -International  Departures

Terminal IC is the third international departure terminal at JKIA and consists of 5 departure gates (8-4)
Gates start from no 4 as you walk forwards they add up in a straight curve until gate 8.
As of to-date, airlines that depart on this gates are:

  • Qatar airways departures
  • Lufthansa departures
  • Air-link departures
  • Rwand Air departures
  • Asky Airlines departures

There are several variety of shops, restaurants and duty free shops at terminal 1c pathways that passengers can utilize.
Terminal 1C has only Aspire lounge ,located after security in Terminal 1B opposite gate 11.The lounge can also be accessed from the International Terminals (1A, 1B, 1C)

JKIA Domestic Terminal 1D

7. JKIA Terminal (1D)- Domestic Arrivals & Departures

Terminal 1D is the fourth terminal used for all all domestic arrivals and departures.
Flights that use this terminal are :

  • Kenya Airways domestic flights
  • Jambo Jets flights
  • domestic Private charter flights
JKIA International Arrival Terminal 1E

8. JKIA Terminal (1E)- International Arrivals

Terminal 1E is the last terminal in the curvature used only for international arrivals.
Immigration and customs check points are located in this terminal.
As of to-date, airlines that arrive on this terminal are:

  • British Airways
  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • Airlink
  • Rwand-Air
  • British Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • Air Tanzania
  • Uganda Airlines
  • Asky Arrivals

 

JKIA Arrival/Departure Terminal 2

9. JKIA Terminal (2) International – Domestic Arrivals and Departures

Terminal 2 is the last terminal located in the far off left corridor of the airport, mainly used only for both international and domestic flights.Duty free shops, Maara Lounge, Immigration and customs check points are located in this terminal.
As of to-date, airlines that arrive on this terminal are:

  • Daalo Airline
  • Freedom Airline
  • Ocean Airline
  • African Airline
Inter terminal Shuttle Bus

10. JKIA Inter-terminal Transport

A)Inter terminal Shuttle Bus

Terminal 1D and T2 are not connected to any of the four terminals (1A,1B,1C,1E ) meaning passengers either walk,take the airport taxi or use the free JKIA inter terminal shuttle bus that circles all six terminals every 10minutes.

B)Walking

JKIA 4 terminals (1A,1B,1C,1E )are directly connected, so passengers are able to walk between connections without having to exit the terminal.The estimated walking times from when you have cleared the security checkpoints to any of the gates is about 10 to 15minutes

The estimated walking times between Terminals
Terminal 1A—>Terminal 1B (10minutes)
Terminal 1B—>Terminal 1C (10minutes)
Terminal 1E—>Terminal 1C (5minutes)
Terminal 1E—>Terminal 1C (5minutes)
Terminal 1E—>Terminal T2 (30minutes)

11. JKIA Airport Lounges

LoungeLocationOpening HoursFee per Person**
Kenya Airways Simba loungeTerminal 1A Inside Security. 2nd Floor, Departure Area24 HoursFrom 40$
Kenya Airways Pride loungeTerminal 1A, near gate 1724 HoursFrom 40$
Swissport Aspire LoungeTerminal 1B opposite gate 1124 HoursFrom 30$
Also accessed from the International Terminals (1A, 1B, 1C)
Turkish Airlines LoungeTerminal 1E, Security and Passport Control, between Gate 13 & 424 HoursFrom 30$
Turkish Airlines LoungeTerminal 1E, Security and Passport Control, between Gate 13 & 424 HoursFrom 30$
List of all lounges located at JKIA

12. JKIA Airport Lost and Found

If a passenger loses an item on an airplane, then they should contact the applicable airline for assistance.
If an item was left at any security checkpoint in the terminal, then the passenger should contact Kenya Airport Authority Security Office (+254790621096) located at the parking garage building level zero. The lost and found counter at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) security section handles lost and found property.

13. Additional Airport Information

A- Information Services

An information desk is located in the arrivals hall of each terminal offering passenger information and assistance.

B- Information Services

An information desk is located in the arrivals hall of each terminal offering passenger information and assistance.

C- Children’s Play Areas

The new Terminal 1B has one children’s play areas, located near gates A3, A7, and A21. While there are no play areas in Terminals 1C ,1D,1E

D- Baby Facilities

JKIA has several nursing suites spread across terminal 1A,1B,1C. Additional nursing suites are located in most of the lounges.

  • Terminal 1A: Opposite gate 15
  • Terminal 1B: Between gate 12 and gate 13

E- Duty-free Shops

Duty-free shopping is available in the following locations:

  • Terminal 1A: After the secondary security check point, before gate 15 gate 7
  • Terminal 1B-1C: From gate 12 till Gate 4

F- Smoking Areas

Designated smoking areas can be found outside of the terminals and one smoking area inside Terminal 1A basement between gate 22-24

Terminal 1B-1C after gate 5

G- Prayer Rooms

JKIA has Prayer rooms located at :

Terminal 1E after gate 4 before the Turkish lounge

H- Money (ATM and Currency Exchange)

  • Terminal 1A:

On arrival: at the transfer desk, Before immigration and at the baggage hall and after customs

On departure: at Gate 15

  • Terminal 1B-1C: On departure: at Gate 15
  • Terminal 1D : None available inside the terminal ,only available outside the terminal
  • Terminal 1E : Before immigration and at the baggage hall and after customs
  • Parking Garage Building –At Level zero (0) towards the exit:

I- JKIA Luggage Storage

JKIA has a luggage storage service for all arriving , transit and departure  passengers  offered by Umbato Safaris

I- JKIA Portage Service

JKIA has a luggage portage service for all arriving , transit and departure  passengers  offered by Umbato Safaris

 

14. Travel to and From JKIA

A- Airport Taxi

JKIA airport has airport yellow taxis at ever terminal which can transport you to and from the airport at a reasonable fee.

B- Private Transport Options

You can also arrange private transport options as there are several transport providers in the airports

C- Nairobi Express Way

After exiting JKIA , you will see the newly built express way road which goes all the way to the city center and ends in west-lands. This is the best route where applicable to save on time and cut on traffic, plan your trip accordingly with your transport provider

15. JKIA Airport Parking Information

A) Official Airport Parking – Parking Garage Building

JKIA Airport offers short-term, daily, and long-term parking options at the main parking garage building located opposite terminal 1E. One is required to keep their parking tickets and pay at the pay stations located in the parking spots.Parking attendants are there to assist with payments

B) Pick-up or Drop-off Parking

JKIA has two main passenger drop off and pick up points.
Point 1: Located opposite terminal 1A,1B,1C,1D serves at the central passenger drop and pick up point with
5 minutes drop and pick up window.
Point 2: Located opposite terminal 1E, serves at the central passenger drop and pick up point with 5 minutes drop and pick up window.

C) Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for disabled passengers is available in all short-term parking lots with a disability marking

16. JKIA Airport Hotels

There are only two hotels inside the airport and the last one out of the airport. We’ve listed hotels below that are up to 5kilometers from the airport (ordered by distance).

Most hotels offer courtesy shuttle services for customers among a whole host of facilities suitable for an airport stopover.

Hotel NameLocationRatingDistance
Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi AirportMombasa Road5 Star7kms
Crown Plaza Nairobi AirportJomo Kenyatta International Airport, First Freight Lane3 Star4kms
Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi AirportTower Avenue Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport3 Star3kms
List of all airport hotels located inside JKIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17.In Conclusion

As with most major Kenyan airports, JKIA is undergoing a huge redevelopment to accommodate growing passenger capacity.The recent Terminal 1A was built, refurbishment and upgrade of terminal 1B , 1C ,1D and plans to construct a new terminal in the future to expansion and rehabilitation of the passenger terminal facilities as well as associated aprons, taxiways and access roads at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

This shall in turn accommodate the growing volume of passengers passing through the airport year in year out.

18. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, is a critical hub for both domestic and international air travel in East Africa. This comprehensive guide addresses the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about JKIA, providing essential information for travelers and visitors alike.

FAQs about JKIA Nairobi Airport

All travelers, whether foreign nationals, Kenyan citizens or residents, are responsible on arrival for appearing, in person, before an immigration officer with their passport or other acceptable valid travel document. A Passport with at least two blank pages, six months' validity, and a Kenyan electronic travel authorization. You should have proof of yellow fever immunizations if arriving from an endemic country, or you may be denied entry.
Visa on arrival is no longer available. All passengers need to apply for their visa ,now refereed to as Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) under the Directorate of Immigration & Citizen Services/ETA from the Kenya Immigration Website
The time it takes to clear immigration in JKIA can vary depending on the number of passengers arriving and the time of day. Typically it takes between 40 minutes to an 1 hour to clear through. Arrival meet and assist service can get you cleared in 20minutes
There are two terminals used for international arrivals Terminal 1A and 1E
Yes this is available in all arrival terminals via Exchange Bureaus Located in all terminals, offering competitive rates.ATM's Dispensing local currency (Kenyan Shilling) and accepting international cards.
ATMS are located before immigration and after the baggage halls. They dispense dollars and kenya shillings
Yes it is possible to purchase a SIM card at JKIA Nairobi airport. There are several shops located throughout the airport terminal that offer SIM cards and mobile phone sales services from various service providers
Kenya Revenue Authority has listed items that passengers need to declare upon arrival in Kenya. KRA had instituted a directive that will see travelers arriving into the country from international destinations being taxed if they have personal items that are worth $500 and above. Read more here
Arrival meet assist is available at JKIA Nairobi airport for both International and domestic passengers. Book here
At the exit of every terminal there are airport yellow taxi cabs available. Additionally one can make pre arrangements with other transport providers companies
Three hotels (Hilton garden inn,Crown plaza,Four points) are located inside the airport.
Check in counter closes one hour prior boarding time. International flights passengers should arrive three hours prior Domestic flights passengers should arrive two hours prior
International flights depart from Terminal 1A,1B,1C. Domestic flights depart from Terminal 1D
International flights departure check in counter opens three hours prior flight departure time International flights departure check in counter opens three hours prior flight departure time
Approach the check-in counter with your travel documents (valid passport, air ticket or booking confirmation, and visa if applicable). Check that you are issued with the correct boarding passes and that your travel documents are in order before leaving the check-in counter.
If you do not have your boarding pass, you won't be getting past security and on to the plane. No matter what airline your fly you will need your boarding pass. However you don't have to print it, you could have it saved to your phone so your phone. After checking your bags into the counter,you will get a physical boarding pass.
For international flights, the online check-in window opens 30 hours before your scheduled departure and remains accessible until just 1 hour before takeoff. Domestic flight passengers are encouraged to complete their check-in at least one and a half hours prior to departure, with the counters closing 30 minutes before the flight leaves.
Baggage trolleys are available at the airport's both departure and arrival halls and have been provided for use by passengers free of charge.
Connections can either be international to international or to domestic. Some cases will require going through immigration, customs and a transit visa.. Read more here
In most international flight connection, one boarding pass or several boarding passes may be issued for each part of the journey
Yes your bags shall be interchanged to the next flight by your Arline.
Transit Visa is issued to passengers connecting through Kenya to other destinations for a period not exceeding 72 hours it allows to leave the airport for this duration.Those connecting flights directly without leaving the airport don't need to apply for transit visas.
Yes you can book flight transit assistance service offered by Umbato Safaris
Yes, luggage storage facilities are available for passengers: Left Luggage Services: Secure areas to store luggage for short or long duration. Luggage Wrapping: Available to protect bags during transit and departures.Available at all departure terminals