NAIROBI, Kenya – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been honoured as the African Cargo Airport of the Year during the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo.
The gala dinner was held on the night of Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi.
The award ceremony was part of the Air Cargo Africa and Transport Logistics Africa 2025 conference, a premier event showcasing innovations and excellence in the air cargo industry.
The award was received by Dr. Rose Koros, General Manager of JKIA, accompanied by Jacob Bwana, Manager of Cargo, and Debra Ondaba, Manager of Product and Brand.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Koros expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising JKIA’s pivotal role in facilitating trade and logistics across Africa.
What JKIA’s latest win means
She highlighted the airport’s commitment to operational excellence and its continuous efforts to enhance cargo handling capabilities.
“JKIA’s win underscores its status as one of Africa’s busiest and most efficient cargo hubs,” said Dr. Koros.
In 2024 alone, the airport handled an impressive 112,000 tonnes of cargo in the first quarter, reflecting its critical role in supporting regional and international trade.
The airport has been instrumental in handling high-value exports such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and speciality goods, which make up 80% of Africa’s air cargo exports.
This recognition comes amidst significant growth in Africa’s air cargo industry, driven by initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has boosted intra-African trade by 25% and increased transport demand by 50%.
BIG WIN for Kenya! Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has been crowned African Cargo Airport of the Year at the @StatMediaNews International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo! 🏆✨ The award was presented during a grand Awards ceremony held last night in Nairobi.
JKIA’s strategic location and robust infrastructure have positioned it as a key player in meeting this growing demand.
Which award did JKIA win in 2024
In October 2024, JKIA landed a prestigious title, being crowned Africa’s Leading Airport at the World Travel Awards.
The accolade, which highlighted the airport’s growing reputation for excellence, was presented to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) team during a vibrant ceremony in Diani.
JKIA outshined several key competitors, including South Africa’s Cape Town International and O.R. Tambo, Morocco’s Casablanca Mohammed V International, and Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport.
The victory didn’t come easily—JKIA faced stiff competition from airports across the continent.
The KAA credited the hard work of its team and the support of travellers and partners for making the milestone possible.
