Posted: 6 March 2026 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet

Kenya Airports Authority outlines phased development plan for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to address congestion, expand capacity and support long term aviation growth.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Kenya’s primary international gateway and hub for Kenya Airways, is preparing a major infrastructure expansion programme aimed at easing congestion and supporting long term growth in passenger and cargo traffic.

The development strategy follows completion of an Integrated Master Plan and Feasibility Study in February 2026 commissioned by Kenya Airports Authority. The study outlines a phased approach combining near term infrastructure upgrades with longer term capacity expansion to ensure the airport can continue operating as a key aviation hub in East Africa.

Currently, JKIA is experiencing operational pressure during peak periods across its runway system, passenger terminal facilities and apron areas. In 2025 the airport handled approximately 8.93 million passengers, exceeding its designed capacity of around 7.5 million annually. The airport operates with a single runway and a terminal complex that has expanded incrementally over time, leading to circulation and space constraints.

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Traffic forecasts developed as part of the study project sustained long term growth between 2025 and 2045. Passenger volumes are expected to increase from 8.93 million to approximately 22.31 million during the forecast period, representing an average growth rate of 4.6 percent. Air cargo volumes are also predicted to rise significantly, growing from 407,214 tonnes in 2025 to around 860,400 tonnes by 2045.

Assessments comparing future demand with current infrastructure highlight capacity shortfalls across airside, terminal and landside operations. Key constraints include limited runway capacity, insufficient aircraft stands and apron space, congestion in passenger terminals and growing road traffic affecting airport access.

To address immediate operational challenges, the first phase of the programme focuses on optimising existing infrastructure. Planned improvements include upgrading the current runway and constructing a partial parallel taxiway to improve airfield circulation. Two rapid exit taxiways and a runway end exit taxiway will also be developed to reduce runway occupancy time and increase overall aircraft movement efficiency.

Additional short term improvements will target passenger processing systems and terminal operations. The airport plans to reconfigure and selectively expand existing terminal facilities to alleviate bottlenecks and improve passenger flow. Digital modernisation will also be introduced across check in, security screening, immigration and baggage handling processes to improve service levels and operational efficiency.

Vehicle parking areas and access routes within the airport precinct will also be optimised to improve circulation and accessibility for passengers and airport users.

Alongside these near term upgrades, JKIA will move forward with long term expansion projects designed to meet projected demand over the next two decades. A new passenger terminal capable of handling an additional 10 million passengers annually will be constructed with provisions for future expansion.

Airside infrastructure will also be expanded through the development of new taxiways, apron areas and aircraft support facilities. Supporting operational infrastructure will include upgrades to air traffic control systems, firefighting facilities, cargo operations, aircraft maintenance areas and fuel and utility networks.

Improved landside access will form another key component of the programme, with upgrades to surrounding road infrastructure aimed at reducing congestion and improving connectivity to the airport.

Beyond aviation infrastructure, Kenya Airports Authority is also planning the development of an Airport City and Special Economic Zone surrounding JKIA. The initiative aims to transform the airport precinct into an aviation led economic hub supporting logistics, manufacturing, trade and service industries.

The Special Economic Zone is expected to attract high value and time sensitive sectors including air cargo logistics, agro processing, pharmaceuticals, e commerce fulfilment and regional distribution activities. The Airport City concept will complement these developments through business parks, hotels, conference facilities, corporate offices and aviation support services.

Together, these projects are designed to strengthen JKIA’s role as a regional aviation hub while supporting Kenya’s wider economic development strategy under the Vision 2030 framework.

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Airport development, Airside operations, Capacity, Cargo, Digital transformation, Economy, Operational efficiency, Passenger volumes, Terminal operations

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Kenya Airways

Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Airways

Africa