The latest report by Skytrax, widely regarded as a benchmark in aviation service quality, has ranked Africa’s top 10 airports based on passenger experience, facilities, cleanliness and efficiency.
Notably missing from the list is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya’s primary international gateway and one of the busiest airports in East Africa.
The latest report by Skytrax, widely regarded as a benchmark in aviation service quality, has ranked Africa’s top 10 airports based on passenger experience, facilities, cleanliness, and efficiency.
Notably missing from the list is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya’s primary international gateway and one of the busiest airports in East Africa.
The omission has sparked fresh scrutiny of JKIA’s operations, especially at a time when regional competitors are rapidly upgrading their infrastructure.
Airports such as Cape Town International Airport and O.R. Tambo International Airport once again dominated the rankings, praised for their world-class facilities, seamless passenger flow and consistent service quality.
Also featured prominently were King Shaka International Airport and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, both recognized for their modern infrastructure and high customer satisfaction levels.
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The trend highlights a growing gap between leading African aviation hubs and those still struggling with congestion, aging facilities, and service inefficiencies.
For JKIA, the absence comes amid ongoing concerns raised by travelers over long queues, inconsistent customer service, and periodic system downtimes.
Aviation experts argue that while the airport plays a critical role in connecting East and Central Africa to the rest of the world, it has not kept pace with the rapid modernization seen elsewhere on the continent.
Kenya’s aviation sector has, however, seen efforts to improve the situation. Expansion projects, terminal upgrades and digitization initiatives have been introduced in recent years, aimed at enhancing passenger experience and boosting capacity.
Yet, analysts say more needs to be done to match global standards and reclaim competitiveness.
Industry stakeholders warn that continued underperformance could have broader implications, including reduced attractiveness for international airlines and missed opportunities in tourism and trade.
With neighboring countries investing heavily in aviation infrastructure, the pressure is mounting on Kenya to accelerate reforms at JKIA.
As Africa’s aviation landscape evolves, rankings such as those by Skytrax are increasingly shaping perceptions and influencing travel decisions.
For Kenya, the message is clear: maintaining regional dominance will require not just expansion, but a consistent commitment to service excellence.
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