East Africa's busiest and most connected international gateway.
Opened
1958
Location
Nairobi, Kenya
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO/HKJK) is the largest and busiest airport in Kenya and a primary aviation hub for East and Central Africa. Located approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Nairobi's city centre, it serves as the main intercontinental gateway for the region, handling tens of millions of passengers annually.
The airport is named after Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president, and is operated by the Kenya Airports Authority. It functions as the primary hub for Kenya Airways and hosts numerous international carriers connecting Africa to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
Significant expansion and modernisation projects have been undertaken over the years, including the construction of a new terminal. A major fire damaged parts of the arrivals hall in 2013, prompting rehabilitation works. The airport plays a critical role in Kenya's tourism industry and its broader economy.
Terminals
The airport has multiple terminal units including the main international terminal and a separate domestic terminal, with ongoing infrastructure development to increase capacity.
Getting to & from
Ground transport options include taxis, ride-hailing services, airport shuttle buses, and matatus (minibuses), with the city centre reachable in approximately 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Airlines here
Kenya Airways uses NBO as its primary hub, while major international carriers including Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, KLM, and Air France also serve the airport.
Notable facts
- ›Named after Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's founding president and first head of state.
- ›A fire in August 2013 destroyed part of the international arrivals terminal, temporarily disrupting operations.
- ›It is the busiest airport in East Africa by passenger numbers and international connections.
- ›The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 1,624 metres (5,327 feet) above sea level.
- ›Kenya Airways' hub status makes NBO a major transit point between Africa and the rest of the world.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
