How to Speak Swahili at the Airport: From Check‑In to Boarding
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
If you don’t speak Swahili at the airport this December, be ready for confusion and over‑explanations.
Because the airport is one of the few places in East Africa where people will talk to you fast, assume you understand everything, and point in five different directions at once.
Let’s fix that.
With this guide, you’ll know exactly what to say, from check‑in to immigration to the boarding gate, so you walk through JKIA or Mombasa Airport like someone who grew up in East Africa.
🧳 1. Check‑In: Tickets, Passports & Luggage
These are the phrases you will hear immediately.
Common Swahili Check‑In Questions:
Habari yako? — How are you?
Unaenda wapi? — Where are you going?
Tikiti yako, tafadhali. — Your ticket, please.
Pasipoti yako? — Your passport?
Things YOU may need to say:
Nina mizigo miwili. — I have two bags.
Naweza kupata kiti cha dirishani? — Can I get a window seat?
Naweza kuongeza kilo ngapi? — How many extra kilos can I add?
Naenda Nairobi kwa likizo. — I’m going to Nairobi for the holidays.
Useful Words:
Mizigo — Luggage
Kiti — Seat
Dirisha — Window
Njia — Aisle
🔍 2. Security Check: Bags, Laptops & "Please remove your shoes"
Security is fast, but the Swahili is simple.
What staff may say:
Weka begi hapa. — Put the bag here.
Toa laptop. — Remove the laptop.
Vyuma vimetia alama. — Metal has triggered the alarm.
Pita upande huu. — Walk this way.
What YOU may need:
Hii inaweza kupita? — Can this go through?
Nina maji kidogo tu. — I only have a little water.
Ningependa kueleza… — I’d like to explain…
Words to remember:
Begi — Bag
Vyuma — Metal
Kagua — Inspect
🛂 3. Immigration: Purpose of Travel, Length of Stay, & Documents
The officers here speak both English and Swahili—but dropping a little Swahili earns you instant respect.
Common Questions:
Unakuja kufanya nini? — What is the purpose of your visit?
Utakaa kwa muda gani? — How long will you stay?
Umewahi kufika Kenya/Tanzania? — Have you been to Kenya/Tanzania before?
Your answers:
Niko likizo. — I’m on holiday.
Nitabaki kwa wiki mbili. — I’ll stay for two weeks.
Nawatembelea familia. — I’m visiting family.
Important Words:
Sababu ya safari — Purpose of travel
Kaa — Stay
Familia — Family
🛫 4. Delays, Gate Changes & Announcements
JKIA announcements are usually in English then Swahili. But staff often explain in Swahili.
Useful phrases:
Safari imechelewa. — The flight is delayed.
Mlangoni kumebadilika. — The gate has changed.
Tafadhali subiri hapa. — Please wait here.
Tutatoa taarifa muda si mrefu. — We will give an update shortly.
Asking questions:
Gate yao iko wapi? — Where is their gate?
Safari inaondoka saa ngapi? — What time is the flight departing?
Naweza kupata taarifa zaidi? — Can I get more information?
🛩️ 5. Boarding: Final Checks Before You Enter the Plane
No confusion here—just short, clear phrases.
What you may hear:
Weka tikiti hapa. — Scan your ticket here.
Safari iko tayari. — The flight is ready.
Karibu ndani. — Welcome aboard.
What you may need to say:
Hiki ndicho kiti changu? — Is this my seat?
Naweza kubadilisha kiti? — Can I change seats?
Words:
Abiria — Passenger
Mlango — Gate/door
Safari — Flight/journey
🗺️ Quick Reference Table: Airport Swahili You Must Know
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Luggage | Mizigo |
| Boarding Pass | Tikiti ya kupanda |
| Gate | Mlango |
| Window seat | Kiti cha dirishani |
| Delay | Cheleweshwa |
| Security check | Ukaguzi wa usalama |
| Immigration | Uhamiaji |
🙋🏽♀️ FAQ
1. Is Swahili actually used at the airport in Kenya and Tanzania?
Yes, staff switch between English and Swahili, but most casual conversations are in Swahili.
2. Will using Swahili make my airport experience easier?
Absolutely. It creates instant rapport and locals respond more warmly.
3. Should I learn formal or informal greetings for the airport?
Use polite, neutral greetings like Habari or Shikamoo for older staff.
4. What Swahili should I use if I’m confused?
Say: Nisaidie tafadhali. - “Help me, please.”
5. What if I don’t understand a fast Swahili response?
Reply: Sikuwelewa, tafadhali rudia. - “I didn’t understand, please repeat.”
🎯 Ready to Travel Like a Local?
If you’re flying to Kenya this December, these phrases will carry you from check‑in to boarding like a true East African.
To master real conversations: market talk, greetings, transport Swahili, and more, download NKENNE and start learning Swahili the fun way.
Karibu nyumbani. 🌍✨