JKIA Wins Award, Beating African Airports

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi has been crowned African Cargo Airport of the Year at the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo, a prestigious event recognizing excellence in the global air cargo industry.

The award was presented during a gala dinner on Thursday, February 20 at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi, as part of the Air Cargo Africa & Transport Logistics Africa 2025 conference.

Receiving the award on behalf of JKIA was Dr Rose Koros, General Manager of JKIA, alongside Jacob Bwana, Cargo Manager, and Debra Ondaba, Product and Brand Manager.

Speaking at the event, Dr Koros expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed JKIA’s commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in air cargo handling.

KAA staff at the African Cargo Airport of the Year award that the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport won on Thursday, February 20, 2025. /KENYA AIRPORTS AUTHORITY

“This award is a testament to JKIA’s role as a vital logistics hub, facilitating trade across Africa and beyond. We remain dedicated to operational excellence and continuously improving our cargo handling capabilities to support regional and global commerce,” said Dr. Koros.

A Leading Hub for African Trade

JKIA’s recognition highlights its status as one of the busiest and most efficient cargo hubs in Africa. In 2024 alone, the airport processed 112,000 tons of cargo in the first quarter, reinforcing its critical role in supporting exports and imports across the continent.

The airport is particularly crucial in handling high-value exports such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and speciality goods, which account for 80 per cent of Africa’s total air cargo exports.

Driving Africa’s Air Cargo Growth

This accolade comes as Africa’s air cargo industry experiences rapid growth, fueled by initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The agreement has already boosted intra-African trade by 25% and increased transport demand by 50%, positioning JKIA as a key player in meeting this rising demand.

With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and commitment to innovation, JKIA continues to cement its reputation as a premier air cargo gateway, playing a crucial role in Africa’s economic transformation.

The STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo are the industry's most prestigious honours, recognizing exceptional contributions, innovation, and leadership in air freight. These esteemed awards celebrate outstanding achievements and aim to foster continuous advancement and growth within the air cargo sector.

Each year, the event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders to recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact. Covering a range of categories, the awards highlight excellence in areas such as pioneering technologies, operational efficiency, and superior service standards across the global air cargo industry.

Recently, a report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed that the total number of passengers arriving at the country's main airport increased by 1.9 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, underscoring the popularity of JKIA.

JKIA, one of the main entry points along with Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Kisumu International Airport, processed 1,507,836 visitors last year, an increase from 1,478,396 in 2023 and a difference of 29,440.