Adani Airports Eyes International Expansion: Submits $1.85 Billion Proposal To Upgrade Nairobi's Airport

While managing multiple airports in India, the Adani Group’s airport division seeks to diversify and expand its reach to international airport development.

As per recent developments, Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) submitted a proposal for upgrading Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

On Wednesday (24 July), the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced that it had received an investment proposal from the Indian conglomerate under a public-private partnership.

JKIA managing director and chief executive officer Henry Ogoye, stated, “The proposal followed the Kenyan government's approval of a medium-term investment plan for upgrading the passenger terminal building, runway, taxiway, and apron at Nairobi airport.”

“Built in 1978, JKIA is a strategic national asset, but its ageing infrastructure threatens regional competitiveness.”

According to Ogoye, the necessary investment is substantial and cannot be financed under current fiscal constraints without private funding.

AAHL's proposal will undergo technical, financial, and legal reviews in compliance with the Public-Private Partnerships Act 2021.

According to an African news report, the group has proposed to invest USD 1.85 billion and expects to earn an 18 per cent annual return over three decades.

Currently, AAHL manages seven airports in India — Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Except for Mumbai airport, which was acquired from the GVK group in 2021, the group secured the rights to upgrade and operate the other six airports between 2020 and 2021 for a 50-year period.

Additionally, the group is developing the Navi Mumbai airport, with plans to invest Rs 18,000 crore in the facility.