According to eTurboNews, the Kenya Airport Authority has released a series of pictures showcasing its new Terminal 1A at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which, when fully operational, will increase its capacity to handle over 2.5 million passengers a year.
The opening of the new terminal building will not only de-congest the airport, but also allow for the gradual refurbishment and upgrade of former international units 1 and 2, recently renamed as Terminal 1B and 1C, before commencing work on the domestic terminal, formerly named Unit 3 and now known as Terminal 1D.
The fire-damaged arrivals section of the airport is also due to be completely reconstructed, though the work for that has not yet commenced.
Under construction is an additional temporary terminal building, with a projected lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, which will come on line later this year to add a further capacity boost of about 2.5 million passengers.
These developments will also finally separate passenger streams and prevent arriving and departing passengers from interacting, other than through glass partitions. With this division in place, the KAA hopes to receive Category 1 status from the American FAA, which will allow for direct flights between the US and Kenya.
Starting in August, flights will be progressively checked in at the new terminal building until full functionality has been reached in a few months’ time. Check-in at the 32 service counters will be largely supported by automated check-in machines.
The number of scanners for hand luggage and travellers is expected to be sufficient enough to prevent the often long queues regularly witnessed at the old terminal buildings.
*Images courtesy of the Kenya Airports Authority