Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Nairobi’s principal international airport and Kenya’s most important aviation gateway. Identified by the IATA airport code NBO, the airport handles both domestic and international passenger services and provides connections between Nairobi and destinations across Kenya, Africa and the rest of the world.
Travellers looking for domestic connections can browse the Kenya Domestic Flights Database — [PASTE FLIGHTS PAGE URL] — for flight routes, airports and airstrips across Kenya.
Last checked: August 2026
JKIA at a Glance
Official Name: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Common Name: JKIA
IATA Code: NBO
ICAO Code: HKJK
City: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Airport Type: International and domestic
Operator: Kenya Airports Authority
Primary Role: Kenya’s principal international aviation gateway and a major domestic flight hub
Where Is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
JKIA is located southeast of central Nairobi, along the Mombasa Road/Airport North Road corridor.
Its location provides access to Nairobi’s central business district and major transport corridors leading towards different parts of the metropolitan area.
Passengers should allow sufficient time for the journey to the airport because traffic conditions in Nairobi can significantly affect road travel times.
Domestic Flights From JKIA
JKIA is an important departure point for high-capacity scheduled domestic flights within Kenya.
Major domestic destinations served from Nairobi can include:
Nairobi ↔ Mombasa — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi ↔ Kisumu — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi ↔ Eldoret — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi ↔ Malindi — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi ↔ Diani / Ukunda — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi ↔ Lamu — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Airlines can change routes and schedules, so passengers should verify that their selected service actually departs from NBO.
International Flights From JKIA
JKIA is Nairobi’s primary airport for international passenger services.
Flights connect Nairobi with destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and other international markets, either directly or through connecting services.
The airport also serves as the principal hub of Kenya Airways, making Nairobi an important connecting point for passengers travelling between African destinations and the wider international network.
Airlines at JKIA
Numerous Kenyan and international airlines operate at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
For domestic passengers, airlines associated with services from JKIA include carriers such as:
Kenya Airways
Jambojet
Fly 748
International passengers have a considerably larger selection of airlines depending on destination and travel date.
Passengers should confirm the airline and terminal shown on their booking before travelling.
JKIA Terminals
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport uses multiple passenger terminal areas to handle domestic and international operations.
The airport’s terminal infrastructure has undergone upgrades over time. Kenya Airports Authority has previously undertaken refurbishment of Terminals 1B and 1C, including improvements to passenger seating, retail space and security screening arrangements. (Kaa)
Passengers should not rely solely on a terminal number remembered from a previous trip.
Always check the terminal indicated by the airline for the specific flight.
JKIA or Wilson Airport?
This is one of the most important distinctions for passengers taking domestic flights from Nairobi.
Nairobi has two major passenger airports:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) — handles major domestic and international airline services.
Wilson Airport (WIL) — primarily handles domestic, regional, safari and smaller-aircraft operations.
Wilson Airport Guide — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
A ticket saying Nairobi does not by itself mean the passenger should automatically travel to JKIA.
Always check whether the airport code on the booking is:
NBO — Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
or
WIL — Wilson Airport
Getting to JKIA
Passengers travelling to JKIA by road commonly approach the airport through the Mombasa Road and Airport North Road corridor.
Journey times can vary substantially depending on traffic conditions and the passenger’s starting point.
Passengers travelling from areas such as Nairobi CBD, Westlands, Kilimani, Karen, Eastlands or other parts of the metropolitan area should therefore build a traffic buffer into their journey.
How Early Should You Arrive at JKIA?
Required check-in times depend on the airline and whether the passenger is travelling domestically or internationally.
For domestic flights, passengers should allow sufficient time for:
Airport access → Check-in → Baggage drop → Security → Boarding
International passengers generally need substantially more time because of additional travel-document and departure procedures.
The operating airline’s stated check-in and boarding deadlines should always take precedence over general airport advice.
Identification and Travel Documents
Passengers should ensure they have the identification and travel documents required for their journey.
For domestic travel, the airline will specify the acceptable identification.
International passengers may require:
- Passport
- Visa or other entry authorisation where applicable
- Boarding pass
- Transit documentation where required
- Additional destination-specific travel documents
Passengers should verify entry requirements for their destination before travelling to the airport.
Baggage at JKIA
Baggage allowances are determined primarily by the airline and fare purchased rather than by the airport.
Passengers should check:
- Cabin baggage allowance
- Checked baggage allowance
- Excess baggage charges
- Restricted items
- Oversized baggage requirements
- Sporting equipment rules
- Special baggage procedures
Passengers connecting between airlines should also check whether their baggage is transferred automatically or must be collected and checked in again.
Domestic Passenger Departure Charge
Kenya Airports Authority’s published service charter lists a KSh600 domestic passenger departure charge, collected when the ticket is sold and remitted through the applicable collection system. (Kaa)
Passengers should check their ticket breakdown to understand the taxes and charges included in the final fare.
Connecting Through JKIA
JKIA functions as an important connecting airport.
Passengers may use the airport to connect:
International → International
International → Domestic
Domestic → International
Domestic → Domestic
Passengers making connections should check whether they need to pass through immigration, collect baggage or change terminal areas.
Connection procedures depend on the itinerary, airlines and ticket arrangement.
Connecting Between JKIA and Wilson Airport
Some passengers arriving at JKIA may need to continue their journey from Wilson Airport, particularly when travelling to safari destinations or smaller regional airports and airstrips.
This is not an ordinary terminal connection.
JKIA and Wilson are separate airports.
Passengers must allow enough time to leave one airport, travel across Nairobi and complete check-in at the other.
A tight connection between NBO and WIL can therefore be risky, especially when road traffic is heavy.
JKIA Airport Code: Why NBO Matters
The airport’s IATA code is:
NBO
This code is particularly important when searching for flights online.
For example:
NBO → MBA — Nairobi to Mombasa
NBO → KIS — Nairobi to Kisumu
NBO → EDL — Nairobi to Eldoret
Airport codes help passengers distinguish between airports serving the same metropolitan area.
For Nairobi, this is particularly useful because NBO and WIL are not interchangeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for JKIA?
The IATA airport code for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is NBO.
Is NBO the same as JKIA?
Yes. NBO is the IATA code for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, commonly abbreviated as JKIA.
Does JKIA handle domestic flights?
Yes. JKIA handles both domestic and international passenger flights.
Is Wilson Airport the same as JKIA?
No. Wilson Airport (WIL) and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) are separate airports in Nairobi.
Which airport should I use for a domestic flight from Nairobi?
It depends on the airline and destination. Major city routes may depart from JKIA, while many safari and regional services operate from Wilson Airport.
Always check the airport code on your booking.
How early should I arrive at JKIA?
Check the deadline provided by your airline. International passengers should generally allow considerably more airport processing time than domestic passengers.
Related Flight and Airport Guides
Kenya Domestic Flights Database — [PASTE FLIGHTS PAGE URL]
Wilson Airport Guide — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Moi International Airport Guide — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Kisumu International Airport Guide — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Eldoret International Airport Guide — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi to Mombasa Flights — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi to Kisumu Flights — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Nairobi to Eldoret Flights — [LINK WHEN PUBLISHED]
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Summary
Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Abbreviation: JKIA
IATA Code: NBO
ICAO Code: HKJK
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Airport Type: Domestic and international
Operator: Kenya Airports Authority
Major Hub: Kenya Airways
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is Nairobi’s principal international aviation gateway and an important departure and arrival point for domestic flights within Kenya.
Before travelling, passengers should confirm their airline, airport code, terminal, flight number, departure time, baggage allowance and check-in requirements.
