Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has experienced a notable increase in international arrivals, reinforcing Kenya’s status as a preferred global travel destination.
According to data released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) on Tuesday, February 18, passenger arrivals at the country’s largest airport grew by one point nine percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
The airport, which serves as Kenya’s main international gateway alongside Moi and Kisumu International Airports, handled approximately 1,507,836 arrivals in 2024, up from 1,478,396 in 2023.
The increase in arrivals is attributed to a rise in demand for air travel, coupled with an expanding presence of international airlines at JKIA.
Data from KNBS indicates that the busiest months for the airport in 2024 were August, with 155,291 arrivals, followed closely by July (153,961) and December (140,994). Conversely, the lowest number of arrivals was recorded in April (96,946), with other months such as November (109,933), January (110,186), and March (110,323) also registering lower figures.
The increase in international passenger traffic comes amid government-led efforts to enhance operations and improve the overall customer experience at JKIA.
During its second meeting of the year on February 6, President William Ruto’s Cabinet approved a series of infrastructure upgrades at the airport, including the modernization of baggage handling systems.
Additionally, improvements were sanctioned for stormwater drainage, access roads, air conditioning, and directional signage. The government also announced plans to introduce covered walkways and regulate meet-and-greet services to ensure only licensed facilitators operate within the facility.
“These measures take immediate effect, reinforcing JKIA’s position as a leading aviation hub by improving efficiency, security, and overall passenger experience,” a Cabinet statement read in part.
To further streamline passenger processing, the government has outlined plans to increase the number of immigration booths and officers while introducing electronic gates to facilitate faster clearance.
With these improvements, JKIA is poised to enhance its role as a critical hub for international travel in the region.
