JKIA Passenger Numbers Rise By 29,000 In A Year

The increase in international passenger arrivals is likely driven by growing demand for air travel, coupled with a rise in the number of international airlines serving the airport.

In 2024, JKIA saw the highest number of passenger arrivals in August (155,291), July (153,961), and December (140,994). However, arrivals significantly declined in April (96,946), November (109,933), January (110,186), and March (110,323).

The increase in visitors through JKIA continues the popularity witnessed in the air transport sector within Kenya and globally, with travellers preferring that method as a quicker and safer mode of travel.

KNBS notably on May 3, 2023, reported an increase in the number of passengers handled across all of Kenya's airports between 2021 and 2022. 6.7 million passengers used air transport in 2021 but the number went up to 10.2 million in 2022.

In addition, the number of international passengers handled at Kenyan airports rose by 80.4 per cent to 5.2 million in 2022, with domestic traffic also increasing by 32.1 per cent from 3.8 million passengers in 2021 to 5.1 million passengers in 2022, all these statistics indicate how vibrant the aviation sector is becoming thanks to travel demands adjustable to the digital age and affordability in terms of air tickets.

The presence of a choice in local and international airlines offering varied ticket prices to passengers usually leaves Kenyans spoilt for choice, no matter which destination they fly to, a choice that has been growing over the years with more airlines expanding their connections to Nairobi.

The latest statistics come as the government readies proactive measures to improve overall passenger experience at JKIA. On February 11, the Cabinet chaired by President William Ruto approved changes at the airport, weeks after they were announced by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.

The major upgrades, aimed at streamlining operations and bolstering security, include exempting all citizens from across Africa from Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements and raising the duty-free threshold for passengers from Ksh50,000 to Ksh250,000 in a bid to streamline passenger goods screening.

Furthermore, security screening at JKIA will be enhanced through risk-based profiling, ensuring only flagged bags undergo manual inspection in a dedicated screening room, reducing delays and improving efficiency.

To further expedite travel, the number of immigration booths and staff will be doubled, while E-Gates will be introduced to eliminate long queues and speed up clearance. "Accountability measures will also be strengthened with new monitoring technology deployed to oversee airport staff, and mandatory uniforms with visible name tags required for all agency employees and retail concessionaires," a dispatch from the Cabinet read in part then.

JKIA infrastructure will also undergo major upgrades, including modernised baggage handling systems, improved stormwater drainage and access roads, installation of covered walkways, enhanced air conditioning, and clearer signage.

Furthermore, meet-and-greet services will be strictly regulated, ensuring only licensed facilitators operate within the airport to enhance security and order.