Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been named African Cargo Airport of the Year at the prestigious STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo. 

The recognition highlights JKIA’s outstanding role in facilitating trade and logistics across the continent.

In a statement, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) celebrated the achievement, describing it as a major milestone for the country’s largest airport. 

JKIA’s growing cargo operations

The award underscores JKIA’s commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvements in cargo handling. 

According to JKIA data, the airport handled 112,000 tonnes of cargo in the first quarter of 2024, a significant share of Africa’s air cargo traffic.

In 2023, the airport processed 372,249 tonnes of cargo, cementing its status as a leading cargo hub.

Cargo operations at JKIA also play a vital role in Kenya’s economy. In 2023, they accounted for 7% of total revenue for the national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ). 

Out of Ksh178 billion in revenue, KQ earned Ksh12.46 billion from cargo operations, demonstrating the sector’s economic significance.

Outpacing other African airports

JKIA has surpassed major African airports such as Cairo International Airport (Egypt) and O.R. Tambo International Airport (South Africa) in cargo handling. 

However, on a global scale, JKIA’s cargo volumes remain modest compared to the world’s busiest cargo airports. 

In 2023, Hong Kong International Airport led globally, handling over 4.3 million metric tonnes of cargo significantly higher than JKIA’s figures.

Prestigious recognition and past awards

The latest award adds to JKIA’s growing list of accolades.

In October 2024, the airport was named Africa’s Leading Airport at the World Travel Awards, further solidifying its reputation in aviation excellence.

JKIA triumphed over top contenders in its category, including: Cape Town Airport (South Africa), Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (Morocco), Julius Nyerere Airport (Tanzania), Kigali Airport (Rwanda), King Shaka Airport (South Africa), and O.R. Tambo Airport (South Africa).

Kenya’s aviation sector shines

Kenya’s aviation sector has continued to make waves globally. Apart from JKIA’s victory, the country received several key awards in 2024, including:

• Africa’s Leading Airline – Kenya Airways

• Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class – Kenya Airways

• Africa’s Leading Airline Brand – Kenya Airways

• Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination – Nairobi City

Meanwhile, Tanzania was crowned Africa’s Leading Destination, showcasing the region’s growing prominence in global travel and logistics.

JKIA’s latest win reaffirms its status as Africa’s premier cargo hub, a key player in global trade, and a driver of Kenya’s economic growth.