The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has unveiled ambitious plans to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), increasing its capacity by 15 million passengers. The project includes a new terminal and runway, expected to be completed by 2029, which will raise aircraft handling capacity from 14 to approximately 63 movements per hour.
JKIA, originally designed for 8 million annual passengers, exceeded its limit in 2024 and 2025, handling 8.6 million and 8.8 million travelers, respectively. The expansion is intended to strengthen Nairobi’s position as a strategic East African hub, improve service quality, and attract more international airlines.
Previous expansion efforts stalled after a $1.85 billion proposal from India’s Adani Group faced opposition over concession terms. Meanwhile, regional competitors are accelerating airport developments: Rwanda’s Bugesera Airport aims for 14 million passengers by 2027, and Tanzania has expanded capacity in Dar es Salaam.
Kenya’s renewed focus on JKIA modernization seeks to secure its share of the growing regional aviation market amid intensifying competition.
