Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has resumed operations after a 4-month shutdown due to COVID-19.
Authorities say they have new measures in place to ensure passenger and staff safety. So what can one expect at the airport now?
All passengers are required to go through rigorous checks.
Your temperature will be recorded and your travel documents verified before accessing the terminal.
“As soon as you walk into the terminal, there is a security check, luggage, personal items all have to be screened.
Expect a thorough security check and patience is required.
Alex Gitari Acting CEO, Kenya Airports Authority: “Check on the protocols you are required to fulfil in the destination countries. We are encouraging passengers to come to the airport at least 3 hours before their flight.”
This is mainly due to the new measures in place against COVID-19.
Authorities have put placed sanitizing points throughout the airport.
There are at least automated 300 sanitation points in the facility.
“Next there are kiosks, you can use for check in but you can also interact with staff at the check in counter but there is a screen for your protection. we are urging people to check in online, this important so that there is less contact,” Allan Kilavuka, CEO, Kenya Airways said.
Physical distancing signs are clearly displayed throughout the airport and a face mask is mandatory
Once check in is complete, it’s a short distance to the immigration area, once you are done with immigration there is second security check that awaits you.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is one of the more modern airports on the continent
and they have tried to make access easier through the use of lifts and escalator.
Once you are through with security, you can access restaurants, duty free shops and your boarding gate where seats are clearly spaced out.
However, expect random security checks through the airport.
“We are very clear on the requirements, a COVID-19 certificate on a test taken not earlier than 96 hours before flight,” Alex Gitari, acting CEO, Kenya Airports Authority.
Your temperature will be recorded and one must fill a questionnaire, for contact tracing purposes.
A curfew is in force, so if you leave for the airport, between 9 pm and 4am, keep your boarding pass and passport nearby just in case you will be stopped by police.
A mask is mandatory at all times when out in public.
(Report by CGTN’S Robert Nagila)
