Nairobi · Kenya · Airport code NBO

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport NBO · JKIA Nairobi Airport

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is Nairobi’s main international airport and Kenya’s principal passenger and air-cargo gateway. Travellers also know it as JKIA, JKIA Airport, NBO Airport, Nairobi Airport, Nairobi International Airport, Jomo Kenyatta Airport and Kenyatta Airport. Use this independent passenger resource to plan flights, terminals, entry requirements, airport transport, hotels, connections and onward travel.

Check JKIA arrivals Check NBO departures Find your terminal Plan airport transport
Check whether you need a Kenya eTA before travelling to JKIA. Many international visitors must obtain an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before starting their journey to Kenya. Exemptions apply to specified nationalities, East African Community citizens, residents, permit holders and passengers who remain within the airport during an eligible airside transit. Check the official eligibility rules for your passport and travel circumstances.
Kenya eTA information JKIA arrival documents Transit eTA rules Official Kenya eTA
Airport identity

What are JKIA, NBO and Nairobi International Airport?

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the official airport name. JKIA is the public abbreviation used by passengers, residents, airport services and transport companies. NBO is the three-letter IATA location code shown on airline tickets, boarding passes, baggage tags, booking systems and flight-information screens.

Searches for JKIA Airport, Nairobi Airport, NBO Airport, Nairobi International Airport, Jomo Kenyatta Airport and Kenyatta Airport usually refer to the same airport. Historical records may call it Embakasi Airport, its original name when it opened in 1958.

JKIA handles international, African regional and domestic passenger services. It also supports air cargo, business travel, government movements and connections to Kenya’s cities, coast, national parks and safari regions.

JKIA airport map Airlines at NBO Terminal information Flights from JKIA NBO weather
Airport specifications

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport facts and codes

Essential reference details for passengers, aviation researchers, transport providers and travel planners.

Official airport name Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Common names JKIA, JKIA Airport, NBO Airport, Nairobi Airport, Nairobi International Airport, Jomo Kenyatta Airport and Kenyatta Airport
IATA airport code NBO
ICAO airport code HKJK
Airport type Public international airport
City served Nairobi and the Nairobi Metropolitan Region
Physical location Embakasi, Nairobi City County, Kenya
Airport operator Kenya Airports Authority
Civil aviation regulator Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Opening date 9 March 1958
Former name Embakasi Airport
Renamed 1978 in honour of Jomo Kenyatta
Passenger terminals Terminal 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E and Terminal 2
Main runway Runway 06/24, approximately 4,117 metres
Airport elevation Approximately 1,624 metres above sea level
Recent passenger demand Approximately 8.8–8.9 million passengers during 2025
Separate Nairobi airport Wilson Airport, code WIL
Terminal building at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi
Passenger terminal frontage at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Aircraft on the apron at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Early morning passenger area inside Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Nairobi airport comparison

JKIA versus Wilson Airport: which Nairobi airport do you need?

Nairobi has two passenger airports with different roles. Check the code printed on every flight booking before arranging a transfer or connection.

Airport Code Main role Typical journeys
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
JKIA, NBO Airport or Nairobi International Airport 		NBO Nairobi’s main international airport and Kenya’s principal scheduled-airline gateway International flights, African regional services, domestic routes, long-haul connections and cargo
Wilson Airport
Nairobi’s domestic, charter and safari-flight airport 		WIL Light-aircraft, charter, domestic and safari operations Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Laikipia, regional airstrips and charter flights
There is no secure airside transfer between NBO and WIL. Passengers connecting between JKIA and Wilson Airport normally collect baggage, enter Kenya when required and travel by road across Nairobi.
JKIA to Wilson Airport transfer Airport connection planning Domestic flights Safari transfers
Flight information

JKIA arrivals, NBO departures and live flight status

Check a flight by airline, flight number, origin, destination or NBO airport code. Airline information should be treated as the final source for check-in, cancellation, rebooking and baggage instructions.

NBO flight tracker

Cross-check delays, estimated arrival times and aircraft movement using the airline and a live flight tracker. Airport screens remain the final source for gates and baggage belts inside JKIA.

JKIA flight information Live NBO flight tracker
Terminal navigation

JKIA terminals: Terminal 1A–1E and Terminal 2

Terminal 1 is divided into five passenger units. Terminal 2 is a separate building. Airline assignments can change, so verify the terminal on your current booking, airline message and airport information screen.

Terminal Common passenger role What to plan Terminal page
Terminal 1A Major international operations International check-in, passport processing, security, arrivals or departures according to current assignment Terminal 1A
Terminal 1B International departures Airline check-in, security screening, passenger services and gates Terminal 1B
Terminal 1C International departures International processing, lounge access and gate movement Terminal 1C
Terminal 1D Domestic flights Domestic check-in, boarding, baggage collection and pickup Terminal 1D
Terminal 1E International arrivals Immigration, baggage collection, customs and public arrival Terminal 1E
Terminal 2 Selected domestic, regional and low-cost operations Separate terminal access, check-in, screening and transport planning Terminal 2
Terminal assignments are operational, not permanent. Do not rely only on an old article, map or previous journey. Check the current airline notice before leaving for the airport.
All JKIA terminals Jomo Kenyatta Airport map Changing terminals Arrival terminal Departure terminal
Airlines and destinations

Airlines and flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

NBO connects Nairobi with destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America. Domestic services connect the capital with major Kenyan cities, coastal airports and regional centres.

International flights from Nairobi

Search direct and connecting services from NBO by destination, airline, schedule and baggage allowance. Route frequency can change by season and operating conditions.

International flights from JKIA

Domestic flights from JKIA

Domestic services commonly connect Nairobi with Mombasa Airport, Kisumu Airport, Eldoret Airport, Malindi, Lamu, Lodwar and Ukunda or Ukunda/Diani Airport, subject to current airline schedules.

Domestic flights from NBO

Airlines at JKIA

Kenya Airways uses NBO as its main hub. Kenyan, African, European, Middle Eastern and Asian carriers also serve the airport.

View airlines and terminals
Flights from JKIA Nairobi to Dubai flights Nairobi to Doha flights Nairobi to London flights Nairobi to Amsterdam flights Nairobi to Mombasa flights
Passenger process

Arriving, departing and connecting through NBO Airport

The correct process depends on your ticket, baggage arrangement, nationality, terminal and onward airport.

Arriving at JKIA

  1. Follow signs for immigration or domestic arrivals.
  2. Present the required passport and entry documents.
  3. Collect checked baggage from the assigned belt.
  4. Complete customs requirements.
  5. Proceed to the public arrivals and pickup area.
Complete JKIA arrivals process

Departing from JKIA

  1. Confirm the airline and terminal.
  2. Allow for Nairobi traffic and airport entry screening.
  3. Complete airline check-in and baggage drop.
  4. Pass security and departure immigration when required.
  5. Monitor airport screens for the boarding gate.
Complete JKIA departure process

Connecting through JKIA

  1. Check whether both flights are on one ticket.
  2. Confirm whether baggage is checked through.
  3. Determine whether you must enter Kenya.
  4. Check whether a terminal change is required.
  5. Allow extra time for any self-transfer.
JKIA connection planning
Border and entry process

Kenya eTA, JKIA immigration, customs and arrival documents

Entry requirements depend on nationality, residency, permit status, transit method, travel history and the goods carried into Kenya.

Kenya eTA

Check eligibility and obtain approval before travel when your nationality or circumstances require an eTA.

Kenya eTA requirements

Arrival documents

Keep your passport, eTA or exemption evidence, accommodation details and onward travel information accessible.

Documents for JKIA arrival

Immigration and passport control

International arrivals complete border processing before baggage collection unless directed otherwise.

JKIA immigration process

Customs declarations

Passengers carrying restricted, controlled or declarable goods should follow the appropriate customs channel.

JKIA customs information

Airside transit

Eligible passengers who remain within the airport during a direct airside connection may fall within an eTA exemption.

Transit and eTA rules

Self-transfer entry

Collecting baggage or changing to a separately ticketed flight may require entry into Kenya.

Self-transfer at JKIA

Yellow fever documents

Health-document requirements may depend on the countries visited before arrival in Kenya.

Review health documents

Immigration waiting time

Passenger volume, staffing, arrival waves and document issues can affect the time needed to exit the airport.

Plan your arrival time
Transit planning

Connecting flights, self-transfers and JKIA layovers

Connection time is affected by ticket type, baggage, immigration, customs, terminal movement and whether the onward flight leaves from JKIA or Wilson Airport.

Separate-ticket self-transfer

Separate bookings can leave passengers responsible for baggage, immigration, recheck and missed-flight costs.

JKIA self-transfer risks

Short airport layover

Stay at the airport when available time is insufficient for entry, road travel and a safe return before departure.

Short JKIA layover

Long Nairobi layover

A longer connection may permit a hotel, restaurant, city activity or carefully timed Nairobi National Park visit.

Nairobi layover safari

Overnight layover

Reserve an airport-area hotel and confirm transport when arriving late, departing early or spending the night between flights.

Overnight layover planning
Ground transport

Transport from JKIA to Nairobi, hotels and Wilson Airport

Nairobi Airport connects with the city through Airport South Road, Mombasa Road and the Nairobi Expressway corridor. Journey time changes with traffic, weather, road conditions and final destination.

Private airport transfer

Prearranged transport suits first-time visitors, families, groups, late arrivals, business travellers and Wilson Airport connections.

Book a JKIA airport transfer

Airport taxi

Confirm the destination, price method, pickup location and vehicle details before leaving the terminal.

JKIA taxi information

Uber and ride-hailing

App-based transport can be practical, but passengers should verify the registration, driver and designated pickup location.

Ride-hailing from JKIA

Hotel shuttle

Check whether the hotel shuttle is included, shared, private, scheduled or available only by prior arrangement.

Hotels with airport transfer

Nairobi Expressway

The Expressway may shorten parts of an airport journey, depending on the destination, route and traffic conditions.

Nairobi Expressway planning

Public transport

Lower-cost transport may involve more walking, waiting and luggage handling than a direct taxi or private transfer.

Public transport from JKIA
Destination Main planning factor Route information
Nairobi CBD Peak traffic and city-centre access JKIA to Nairobi CBD
Westlands Cross-city or Expressway routing JKIA to Westlands
Karen Road choice, traffic and southern Nairobi access JKIA to Karen
Wilson Airport Separate airport, baggage and road transfer JKIA to Wilson Airport
Airport hotel Pickup location and shuttle schedule Hotels near JKIA
Drivers and vehicle hire

JKIA parking, passenger pickup, drop-off and car hire

Drivers should confirm the passenger terminal before entering the airport. Parking areas, pickup instructions and charges may change with airport operations.

Short-term parking

Suitable for passenger pickup, drop-off support and brief terminal visits where permitted.

JKIA short-term parking

Long-term parking

Compare airport parking with a taxi, transfer or hotel parking option before leaving a vehicle for several days.

Long-term parking at JKIA

Passenger pickup

Coordinate the terminal, flight number, phone contact and meeting point before the passenger exits.

JKIA pickup points

Terminal drop-off

Use the current airline terminal and allow time for airport road access and initial security checks.

JKIA drop-off guidance

Car hire at JKIA

Compare vehicle type, insurance, mileage, deposit, driver terms and collection arrangements before booking.

Car rental at JKIA

4×4 safari rental

A safari vehicle may suit national parks, rural roads and journeys requiring greater clearance or luggage space.

4×4 rental from NBO

Chauffeur service

Driver-guided vehicles suit business meetings, family journeys, airport transfers and longer travel within Kenya.

Chauffeur car hire

Safari vehicle with driver

Confirm passenger capacity, luggage space, park suitability, insurance and driver accommodation before booking.

Safari vehicle hire
Airport accommodation

Hotels near JKIA for layovers, late arrivals and early departures

Compare airport hotels by transfer time, shuttle arrangement, check-in hours, room type and access to the correct terminal.

Closest hotels to Nairobi Airport

Nearby accommodation can reduce road travel before an early flight or after a late-night arrival.

Hotels near JKIA

Airport hotels with shuttle

Confirm whether pickup is complimentary, scheduled, private or available only after advance booking.

JKIA hotels with shuttle

Budget airport accommodation

Compare the full transport cost, neighbourhood and departure time rather than selecting a room by price alone.

Cheap hotels near JKIA

Luxury airport hotels

Premium properties may offer restaurants, meeting spaces, private transport and larger rooms.

Luxury hotels near NBO

Transit and day rooms

Day-use accommodation may suit long layovers, daytime rest, showers or remote work between flights.

JKIA transit hotels

Overnight layover hotels

Choose a property with reliable late-night pickup and sufficient return time for the next flight.

Overnight hotels near JKIA
Airport facilities

JKIA lounges, restaurants, shopping, Wi-Fi and passenger services

Facilities vary by terminal and by landside or airside location. Confirm access before relying on a particular lounge, restaurant, shop or service.

Airport lounges

Compare airline, membership and paid-access lounges by terminal, entry method and facilities.

JKIA lounges

Restaurants and cafés

Food and drink options are available in selected public, departure and arrival areas.

Restaurants at JKIA

Shopping and duty free

Selected terminal areas offer travel products, gifts, souvenirs and duty-free shopping.

Shopping at JKIA

Airport Wi-Fi

Prepare a mobile-data backup when internet access is important for transport, hotel or airline communication.

JKIA Wi-Fi

SIM cards and eSIMs

Compare local SIM, eSIM and data options based on trip duration, coverage and registration requirements.

SIM cards at JKIA

ATMs and currency exchange

Compare card payments, ATMs and exchange counters when obtaining Kenyan shillings.

Currency and ATMs

M-Pesa planning

Kenya’s mobile-money system can be useful for local payments, though setup may require a compatible mobile number.

Mobile connectivity in Kenya

Luggage storage

Confirm location, opening hours, item restrictions and collection time before leaving baggage.

JKIA luggage storage

Wheelchair assistance

Request mobility or special assistance through the airline before the travel date.

Accessibility at JKIA

Meet and assist

Prearranged support can help families, older passengers, business travellers and people with tight connections.

JKIA meet and assist

Lost baggage

Report missing checked luggage to the airline or baggage desk before leaving the airport.

Lost baggage at JKIA

Lost property and medical help

Contact airport or airline staff promptly when property is lost or urgent medical assistance is required.

Passenger services
Onward safari travel

From JKIA to Wilson Airport, Masai Mara and Kenya safari destinations

Many safari visitors arrive internationally at NBO, then continue by road, domestic airline or light aircraft from Wilson Airport.

JKIA to Wilson Airport

Allow for immigration, baggage, customs, road traffic, Wilson check-in and a margin for disruption.

Plan the NBO to WIL transfer

JKIA to Masai Mara

Compare a Wilson Airport safari flight with a longer road transfer based on schedule, baggage and lodge location. You can also read about Masai Mara National Reserve from MasaiMara.ke with detailed helpful info about the Reserve and how to plan or book a safari.

JKIA to Masai Mara

JKIA to Amboseli

Road and flight options differ in total journey time, baggage limits and final camp access.

JKIA to Amboseli

Road safari transfers

Private vehicles can connect the airport with parks, lodges and safari circuits across Kenya.

Safari transfers from JKIA

Nairobi layover safari

A Nairobi National Park visit requires sufficient entry, transport, game-drive and airport-return time.

JKIA layover safari
Nairobi travel planning

Distance, weather, safety and things to do near JKIA

Airport travel time depends more on road conditions and destination than distance alone. Plan conservatively when returning for a flight.

JKIA to Nairobi city centre

The airport is approximately 15–18 kilometres from the CBD by road, but traffic can produce large journey-time differences.

JKIA to Nairobi city centre

Nairobi Airport weather

Nairobi’s elevation produces milder temperatures than many equatorial destinations, with seasonal rain affecting road travel.

JKIA weather

Nairobi National Park

The park lies close to the airport area, but a visit still requires entry clearance, suitable transport and enough return time.

Nairobi National Park from JKIA

Things to do near JKIA

Choose activities according to available time, traffic conditions, entry requirements and the next check-in deadline.

Things to do on a JKIA layover

Airport safety

Use confirmed drivers, protect travel documents, monitor baggage and verify vehicle details before leaving the terminal.

JKIA travel and safety tips

JKIA to Nairobi railway services

Check the correct station, train departure time, baggage needs and road-transfer time before combining air and rail travel.

Airport and railway connections
Airport role and development

JKIA cargo, airport history and modernization

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a national transport asset supporting passenger travel, tourism, trade, logistics and regional aviation connectivity.

International air cargo

JKIA handles high-value, perishable and time-sensitive freight moving between Kenya, regional markets and international destinations.

JKIA cargo information

From Embakasi Airport to JKIA

The airport opened as Embakasi Airport on 9 March 1958 and was renamed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in 1978.

History of JKIA

Airport expansion

Modernization planning covers terminal capacity, passenger processing, airfield operations, cargo, roads and other airport systems.

JKIA expansion information
Modernization update dated 23 June 2026: Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport announced a KSh 154.2 billion design-and-build contract covering a new passenger terminal and support facilities, upgrades to existing infrastructure and improvements to airside and landside operations. The 2026 master plan also proposes phased terminal development and further airfield capacity.
JKIA cargo terminal Embakasi Airport history JKIA expansion 2026 Current airport updates Official modernization announcement
Travel checklist

JKIA passenger checklist before, during and after your flight

Complete the relevant checks at each stage of your Nairobi Airport journey.

Before travelling

  • Check whether you need a Kenya eTA.
  • Confirm passport and health-document requirements.
  • Check the airline, flight number and terminal.
  • Review baggage rules and prohibited items.
  • Arrange transport, parking or hotel pickup.
Entry requirements

At the airport

  • Monitor airport screens for operational changes.
  • Keep travel documents accessible.
  • Allow time for every security checkpoint.
  • Report missing baggage before leaving arrivals.
  • Verify drivers and vehicles before departure.
Airport navigation

For an onward connection

  • Confirm whether baggage is checked through.
  • Check whether entry into Kenya is required.
  • Allow for any terminal change.
  • Do not confuse JKIA with Wilson Airport.
  • Add a realistic Nairobi traffic buffer.
Connection planning
Airport information directory

Find every Jomo Kenyatta International Airport passenger resource

The airport directory groups passenger information by travel task, allowing each detailed page to answer a distinct search intent.

Passenger questions

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport frequently asked questions

Direct answers about Nairobi Airport names, codes, terminals, transport, connections and entry requirements.

What is Nairobi’s main international airport?
Nairobi’s main international airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. It is commonly abbreviated as JKIA and has the IATA code NBO.
Are JKIA and NBO the same airport?
Yes. JKIA and NBO identify the same airport. JKIA is the public abbreviation, while NBO is the three-letter code used by airlines, tickets, baggage tags and booking systems.
Is Nairobi Airport the same as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
Nairobi Airport normally refers to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when discussing international commercial flights. Nairobi also has Wilson Airport, which is a separate airport.
What is the Nairobi airport code?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport uses the IATA code NBO and the ICAO code HKJK. Wilson Airport uses the separate IATA code WIL.
Where is JKIA located?
JKIA is located in Embakasi within Nairobi City County, southeast of Nairobi’s central business district.
How far is JKIA from Nairobi city centre?
JKIA is approximately 15–18 kilometres from Nairobi CBD by road. Actual travel time depends on traffic, route and final destination.
How many passenger terminals does JKIA have?
The terminal system consists of Terminal 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E, plus the separate Terminal 2.
Which terminal will my airline use at JKIA?
Terminal assignments depend on the airline, flight and current airport operation. Confirm the terminal on your airline booking, travel notification and airport screen.
How early should I arrive at JKIA?
Follow the airline’s check-in guidance and add time for Nairobi traffic, airport entry, baggage drop, security, immigration and walking to the gate.
Does every international traveller need a Kenya eTA?
No. Many travellers require an eTA, but exemptions apply to specified nationalities, residents, permit holders, East African Community citizens and qualifying airside transit passengers.
Do transit passengers at JKIA need a Kenya eTA?
Qualifying passengers who remain within the airport during an airside transfer may be exempt. Travellers who collect baggage, leave the airport or complete a landside self-transfer should check the entry rules carefully.
Do safari flights leave from JKIA?
Some domestic services leave from JKIA, but many light-aircraft safari flights to Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Samburu, Tsavo East and West and other airstrips depart from Wilson Airport.
What are some of the best things to do in Nairobi during a short layover?
The best things to do in Nairobi during a short layover depend on how much time you have after allowing for airport transfers, security, and check-in. With a six- to seven-hour layover, the top option is a half-day Nairobi National Park tour in a private 4WD Land Cruiser, with morning drives offering the best wildlife activity. For layovers of five hours or less, consider the Nairobi Safari Walk, Giraffe Centre, or Karen Blixen Museum, each of which can typically be visited in one to two hours.
How do I travel from JKIA to Wilson Airport?
Passengers normally travel by road using a private transfer, taxi or ride-hailing service. There is no secure airside connection between NBO and WIL.
Are there hotels near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
Yes. Airport-area, Mombasa Road and nearby Nairobi hotels serve passengers with late arrivals, early departures and overnight connections. Confirm shuttle arrangements before booking.
Is JKIA open throughout the day and night?
Passenger and flight operations take place throughout the day and night. Individual shops, counters, lounges and transport services may operate on separate schedules.
Who operates Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
JKIA is operated by the Kenya Airports Authority. Civil aviation regulation is handled by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
Is JKIAirport.com the official airport authority website?
No. JKIAirport.com is an independent passenger-information website. Travellers should confirm time-sensitive operational information with their airline or the responsible government authority.
What is happening with the JKIA expansion?
In June 2026, the Kenyan government announced a KSh 154.2 billion modernization contract covering a new terminal, support facilities and upgrades to existing airside and landside infrastructure.
Independent airport information

Plan your journey through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

JKIAirport.com provides independent information for passengers using Nairobi’s NBO Airport. Use the airport resources to plan your arrival, departure, terminal, transfer, hotel, connection, layover or onward safari journey.

Flight status, terminal assignments, entry requirements, road conditions and airport services can change. Confirm time-sensitive information with your airline, the Kenya Airports Authority, the official Kenya eTA service or the relevant authority before travel.

Kenya Airports Authority Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Official Kenya eTA Ministry of Roads and Transport Live NBO flight tracking JKIA on Google Maps
JKIA Airport Arrivals Departures Terminals Airlines Flights Kenya eTA Transport Parking Hotels Lounges Connections Layovers Cargo

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