Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit kaa.go.ke
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) hosts a diverse array of airlines, connecting Nairobi to numerous global and regional destinations.
Visitors intending to reach the official website should visit kaa.go.ke
Here’s an expert guide on the key airlines operating from JKIA:
Jambojet
- Type: Low-cost carrier
- Destinations: Domestic (Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Malindi, Ukunda) and regional (Entebbe, Dar es Salaam)
- Features: Affordable fares, no-frills service, focus on regional connectivity
Cargolux S.A.
- Type: Cargo airline
- Destinations: Global cargo hubs including Luxembourg, Johannesburg, and Sharjah
- Features: Specialized in air freight services, modern fleet of Boeing 747s, extensive cargo network
Kenya Airways
- Type: Full-service carrier
- Destinations: Extensive network covering Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and North America
- Features: Flag carrier of Kenya, member of SkyTeam alliance, excellent inflight services, premium lounges
Turkish Airlines
- Type: Full-service carrier
- Destinations: Istanbul and onward connections to Europe, Asia, and the Americas
- Features: Renowned for extensive route network, high-quality service, member of Star Alliance
Egyptair
- Type: Full-service carrier
- Destinations: Cairo and connections to Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America
- Features: Member of Star Alliance, comprehensive inflight services, connects to the ancient city of Cairo
Emirates
- Type: Full-service carrier
- Destinations: Dubai and connections worldwide
- Features: Renowned for luxury services, extensive global network, state-of-the-art aircraft
Qatar Airways
- Type: Full-service carrier
- Destinations: Doha and connections worldwide
- Features: Member of Oneworld alliance, high-quality inflight services, modern fleet
Precision Air
- Type: Regional carrier
- Destinations: Tanzania (Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar)
- Features: Focus on East African regional routes, reliable service, partner of Kenya Airways
RwandAir
- Type: Regional carrier
- Destinations: Kigali and connections within Africa
- Features: High safety standards, expanding route network, member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Air Tanzania
- Type: Regional carrier
- Destinations: Dar es Salaam and regional routes
- Features: Focus on domestic and regional connectivity, modern fleet
Ethiopian Airlines
- Type: Full-service carrier
- Destinations: Addis Ababa and extensive international network
- Features: Member of Star Alliance, extensive African network, excellent connectivity
Uganda Airlines
- Type: Regional carrier
- Destinations: Entebbe and regional destinations
- Features: Focus on East African routes, new and modern fleet, reliable service
China Southern Airlines
- Type: Full-service carrier
- Destinations: Guangzhou and connections to China and Asia
- Features: Member of SkyTeam alliance, large network in China, excellent inflight services
Malawian Airlines
- Type: Regional carrier
- Destinations: Lilongwe and regional routes
- Features: Joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, reliable regional connectivity
Air Arabia
- Type: Low-cost carrier
- Destinations: Sharjah and connections within the Middle East and Asia
- Features: Affordable fares, extensive regional network, focus on budget travel
British Airways
- Type: Full-service carrier
- Destinations: London (Heathrow)
- Features: Member of Oneworld alliance, premium services, extensive global network
Martinair Cargo
- Type: Cargo airline
- Destinations: Key cargo hubs including Amsterdam
- Features: Specialized air freight services, part of the Air France-KLM group, modern cargo fleet
Air India
- Type: Full-service carrier
- Destinations: Mumbai and Delhi
- Features: Member of Star Alliance, connects to major cities in India, comprehensive inflight services
Each of these airlines plays a critical role in connecting Nairobi to the rest of the world, ensuring passengers have a wide array of travel options from JKIA
New Airlines Operating from JKIA
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has welcomed several new airlines over the past four years, reflecting its growing importance as a hub in East Africa. These new additions enhance the airport’s connectivity and provide more options for travelers. Here are some of the notable new airlines that have started operations at JKIA:
1. ASKY Airlines
ASKY Airlines, a West African carrier, began its direct flights from Lomé, Togo, to Nairobi in October 2023. This addition marks a significant expansion in connecting East and West Africa, facilitating smoother travel and business between the regions. ASKY Airlines is known for its reliable service and extensive network within West and Central Africa.
2. Skyward Express
Skyward Express has significantly expanded its operations at JKIA. In March 2024, the airline opened a new hub at JKIA, introducing direct flights to Mombasa. This move aims to enhance regional connectivity, particularly for international passengers arriving at JKIA and looking to connect to domestic destinations like Mombasa.
3. Uganda Airlines
Uganda Airlines resumed operations at JKIA in October 2022, following renovations at Terminal 1B. The airline’s presence strengthens the connection between Nairobi and Entebbe, making it easier for passengers to travel between Kenya and Uganda. Uganda Airlines focuses on providing reliable and efficient service within East Africa.
4. AirAsia X
Scheduled to launch in November 2024, AirAsia X will offer direct flights from Nairobi to Kuala Lumpur. This new route will significantly enhance connectivity between East Africa and Southeast Asia, providing more travel options for both business and leisure travelers.
Read more about AirAsia X’s upcoming JKIA flights.
5. Ethiopian Airlines Expansion
Ethiopian Airlines, although not new to JKIA, has expanded its operations by increasing the frequency of flights and introducing new routes. This expansion aims to cater to the growing demand for air travel within Africa and beyond, reinforcing JKIA’s role as a major hub in the region.
Infrastructure Developments to Handle Increasing Flights from JKIA
To accommodate the increasing passenger traffic and new airline operations, JKIA has embarked on several infrastructure upgrades:
- New Terminal Construction: A new terminal is set to be constructed starting January 2024. This project aims to boost the airport’s capacity and alleviate congestion, providing a more efficient and comfortable experience for passengers.
- Terminal Renovations: Terminals 1B and 1C have undergone significant renovations to improve check-in, security screening, and passenger lounge facilities. These upgrades are part of a broader strategy to modernize the airport and enhance the traveler experience.
These developments underscore JKIA’s commitment to becoming a leading aviation hub in East Africa, ensuring that it meets the growing demand for air travel while maintaining high standards of service and efficiency.