Passengers arriving and departing from the country’s busiest airport will soon notice sweeping changes aimed at easing congestion and enhancing security. The planned adjustments, which form part of a broader modernization programme, are expected to significantly alter how travelers access key facilities at the aviation hub.
For years, traffic snarl ups have characterized peak hours at the main entry and exit points, often leaving motorists and passengers stranded for extended periods.
Airport authorities now say a bold new strategy is necessary to streamline movement and improve the overall travel experience.
Under the proposed upgrade plan, private vehicles will no longer be allowed to access the main terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Instead, travelers using personal cars will be required to drop off or pick up passengers at designated parking zones located a short distance from the terminal building.
Shuttle buses and pedestrian walkways will connect these areas to the departure and arrival halls.
The move is part of an ambitious infrastructure overhaul spearheaded by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).
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Officials say the objective is to decongest the terminal frontage, improve security surveillance, and create a safer, more efficient environment for passengers.
KAA Managing Director has indicated that the redesign draws inspiration from leading global airports where access to terminal doors is strictly regulated.
Only public service vehicles, airport authorized taxis, emergency units, and official transport will be permitted to approach the immediate terminal curb.
According to planners, the project will include expanded parking facilities, smart traffic management systems, improved signage, and enhanced security checkpoints.
Authorities argue that restricting private vehicles at the terminal entrance will significantly reduce traffic jams that have frequently disrupted flight schedules and inconvenienced travelers.
However, the announcement has already sparked mixed reactions among airport users. Some travelers have welcomed the plan, expressing optimism that it will finally end the chaotic scenes that often unfold outside the terminal.
Others, particularly frequent flyers and taxi operators, worry about the potential inconvenience and additional time required to navigate the new system.
Transport stakeholders have urged airport management to ensure that shuttle services are reliable, frequent and accessible to elderly passengers and persons with disabilities. They also emphasize the need for clear communication to avoid confusion during the transition phase.
Security experts, on the other hand, view the measure as a proactive step. By limiting direct vehicle access, authorities can better monitor movements around critical infrastructure and reduce vulnerability to security threats.
Implementation timelines are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with phased construction likely to begin later this year.
As Kenya continues positioning itself as a regional aviation hub, the transformation of JKIA’s main terminal access marks a significant shift in how millions of passengers will experience air travel.
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