KAA revealed that the closure of the terminal, which is the last terminal in JKIA’s curvature used only for international arrivals, will be closed so that rehabilitation works can take place at the airport.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has announced that Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Terminal 1E will be closed from Thursday, October 10.
In a notice, KAA revealed that the closure of the terminal, which is the last terminal in JKIA’s curvature used only for international arrivals, will be closed so that rehabilitation works can take place at the airport.
This means that all airlines using Terminal 1E will be redirected to the main Terminal 1A in a move that the authority noted was to allow for the safety of their passengers and staff.
“Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) would like to inform you that Terminal 1E at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will be temporarily closed starting Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 0700 HRS to facilitate essential rehabilitation works,” announced KAA.
A ‘Karibu Nairobi’ sign at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). /THIS IS KENYA.FACEBOOK
“During this period, all affected airlines will be processed through Terminal 1A. This decision has been made in order to ensure the safety of our staff and passengers during the renovation process.”
The airports authority issued an apology to passengers for “any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.”
The closure of this terminal will likely lead to a chain of disruptions, especially on international arrivals given that this is the terminal designed mainly for that purpose.
As of now, JKIA has six terminals which are assigned to handle international passenger arrivals and departures. Each terminal has dedicated airlines that land and take off from them.
Terminal 1E handles at least 10 international major airlines and also houses the immigration and customs checkpoints at the busy airport.
Terminal 1A, where the flights have been redirected to, is the largest and newest terminal at the airport having been opened in August last year with an ability to accommodate 2.5 million passengers.
The rehabilitation of Terminal 1E follows recent issues at JKIA, including reports of leaking roofs and electrical faults, which had led to temporary shutdowns earlier in the year.
These challenges prompted the Kenyan government to plan significant upgrades to the airport’s facilities, with the then Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen previously stating that Terminal 1E would eventually be decommissioned after a new arrival terminal was completed.
These developments are part of broader efforts to modernise JKIA, a key hub for regional and international air travel, and ensure smoother operations in the future.
The airport’s planned upgrades are expected to further boost its capacity and enhance its reputation as one of Africa’s leading international airports. JKIA continues to play a crucial role in Kenya’s economy, handling millions of passengers and providing employment to thousands.
Passengers travelling through JKIA during the closure period are advised to arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in and processing at the alternate terminal.
Aerial view of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. /FILE
