JKIA named African Cargo Airport of the year

Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been crowned the African Cargo Airport of the Year, 2024.

This was during the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo gala dinner, held on Thursday in Nairobi.

According to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the 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 per cent and increased transport demand by 50 per cent.

"JKIA's strategic location and robust infrastructure have positioned it as a key player in meeting this growing demand," the Authority said.

It added that JKIA's win also underscores its status as one of Africa's busiest and most efficient cargo hubs.

In 2024 alone, data by KAA shows the airport handled 112,000 tons of cargo in the first quarter alone, reflecting its critical role in supporting regional and international trade.

The airport also boasts of being instrumental in handling high-value exports such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and speciality goods, which make up 80 per cent of Africa's air cargo exports.

Speaking at the ceremony while receiving the award, Dr. Rose Koros, the general manager of JKIA, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising JKIA's pivotal role in facilitating trade and logistics across Africa.

She reiterated the airport's commitment to operational excellence and its continuous efforts to enhance cargo handling capabilities.

Notably, the award ceremony was part of the Air Cargo Africa and Transport Logistics Africa 2025 conference, a pivotal event showcasing innovations and excellence in the air cargo industry.

This year's edition, held from February 19 to 21 in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, brought together over 50 global and regional airlines with the primary goal of promoting Africa's cargo trade.

The forum further sought to establish key strategies and pathways to enhance collaboration between African airlines and their international counterparts, fostering greater trade opportunities.

Among the major takeaways from the sessions was the call for governments to prioritise open skies policies, which would allow for more seamless air connectivity and improved trade routes across the continent.

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