Adani eyes Kenya airport, sets up unit amid protests

MUMBAI: Adani Enterprises has set up a company in Kenya to acquire and operate an airport in the African country as part of its expansion plans. The company, Airports Infrastructure, is looking to take over the management of Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The move drew protests from the country's transport workers over potential job losses, international media reported. Adani Enterprises has established Airports Infrastructure through its Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary, Global Airports Operator, a statement to stock exchanges said. It has proposed an investment of $750 million for a new terminal and taxiway system by 2029 to the Kenyan authorities, with an additional $92 million for improvements by 2035. If the deal is struck, it will be Adani's first airport outside of India. It currently operates a little over half a dozen airports in the country.

Homegrown player GMR operates the Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. The Hyderabad-based company has also bagged deals to operate the Crete Airport in Greece as well as the Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia.

As part of its long-term plans, Adani Enterprises - known for incubating new businesses for the Ahmedabad-based conglomerate - intends to list the airport business, housed under wholly-owned subsidiary Adani Airport Holdings, on the bourses by FY28.