Is a 40 min layover in Nairobi long enough?

NBO · Jomo Kenyatta International · Nairobi, Kenya
Cutting It Close

No, 40 minutes is probably not enough for a layover at NBO (Nairobi).

Close to domestic MCT but leaves no margin if security lines are running long.
Concourses
5
Max Transit
30m
Avg. Security
25m
Primary Hub
Kenya Airways
Domestic → Domestic
45min
✗
Domestic → International
60min
✗
International → Domestic
60min
✗
International → International
75min
✗
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Budget extra time if your connection involves Terminal 2, since it requires a shuttle bus rather than a walk.
Expect to clear immigration and a security re-screen even when transiting internationally, as JKIA has limited sterile transit corridors.
Kenya Airways often schedules tight same-terminal connections in Terminal 1, which are more reliable than cross-terminal transfers.
Early morning departures to Europe (around 1-3am) mean the terminals can be surprisingly busy overnight, so don't expect a quiet window then.
If connecting from a regional Jambojet or domestic flight to an international Kenya Airways flight, allow extra buffer for the terminal shuttle and re-screening.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Terminals 1A-1D are physically connected or close enough for walking through connecting corridors, but Terminal 2 (used for some regional and low-cost flights) requires a shuttle bus ride across the airfield. Nearly all transfer passengers must clear a security re-screening point and, for many itineraries, a separate immigration check since JKIA lacks a fully sterile international transit zone.
Is 40 minutes enough for a layover at Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)?

Close to domestic MCT but leaves no margin if security lines are running long.

What is the minimum connection time at NBO?

Minimum connection times at Jomo Kenyatta International: Domestic-to-Domestic is 45 minutes, International-to-International is 75 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 40 minutes connection at NBO on an international flight?

40 minutes is below the 75-minute international MCT at Jomo Kenyatta International. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. Terminals 1A-1D are physically connected or close enough for walking through connecting corridors, but Terminal 2 (used for some regional and low-cost flights) requires a shuttle bus ride across the airfield. Nearly all transfer passengers must clear a security re-screening point and, for many itineraries, a separate immigration check since JKIA lacks a fully sterile international transit zone.

How much time do I need for a layover at NBO?

We recommend at least 1 hour 15 min for a comfortable connection at Jomo Kenyatta International. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 25 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 30 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at NBO?

Kenya Airways operates a transfer desk in the Terminal 1 arrivals/transit area that can rebook missed connections, and as the dominant hub carrier they hold significant same-day rebooking flexibility on their own network; passengers on partner or other airlines should go directly to that carrier's ticketing desk since self-service kiosks are limited.

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER