Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is gearing up to enhance its world-class facilities to cater to the growing influx of prominent visitors to Kenya.
In a strategic move, plans are underway to construct a dedicated terminal exclusively designed for heads of state, renowned individuals, and other prominent travellers arriving on chartered flights. This visionary initiative falls under the government’s immediate efforts to accommodate the rising number of business-class visitors, reflecting the airport’s commitment to providing a seamless and upscale experience. Selina Gor, the airport’s dynamic general manager, discloses that the new terminal will not only cater to heads of state but also extend its hospitality to VIPs, including CEOs of major global corporations with substantial business interests in Kenya and the surrounding regions.
To meet the high expectations of its discerning clientele, JKIA is set to build three additional luxurious lounges. This move responds to the demands of travellers who are accustomed to a certain level of extravagance. The airport, which serves a remarkable 47 airlines and connects Kenya to over 100 destinations worldwide, is taking bold steps to redefine the travel experience for its distinguished guests.
Acknowledging the significance of premium customer lounges, major airlines like Emirates and Qatar have expressed their interest in having an entire floor exclusively dedicated to such facilities. Emirates, a prominent airline contributing significantly to JKIA’s high-end passenger traffic, has specifically requested a designated space for establishing its exclusive lounge. During the opening of the Plaza Premium Lounge. Kenya Airports Authority Acting Managing Director Henry Ogoye emphasized the airport’s commitment to elevating hospitality standards.
The new facility not only sets a new benchmark for airport hospitality but also reflects the airport’s dedication to providing a world-class experience. At JKIA, travellers can already choose from a variety of upscale lounges, such as the Tradewinds Mara Lounge, Msafiri Lounge, Simba Lounge, and Aspire Lounge. These lounges aim to make layovers for business travellers less stressful and more productive, offering amenities like workstations, Wi-Fi, and showers.
According to Okan Kufeci, the Senior Vice President of EMEA, the introduction of The Plaza Premium Lounge marks the group’s second location in Africa. This expansion is a significant move for Plaza Premium Group, a company currently operating in over 30 countries with 250 locations across 80 international airports. With recent expansions in Dubai and Addis Ababa, the company is further solidifying its presence in the Middle East and Africa region.
JKIA’s capacity has surged fourfold, now capable of accommodating a staggering 26.5 million passengers annually. This expansion not only reinforces the airport’s status as a key player in the global aviation landscape but also positions it as a hub that seamlessly blends opulence with efficiency.
