Airports in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide

Kenya, a vibrant country in East Africa, is a prominent travel destination due to its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Airports in Kenya play a vital role in connecting the country to the rest of the world, supporting tourism, trade, and economic development. Kenya has a range of airports categorized into international and domestic and is one of the leading aviation hubs in Africa, boasting a well-established network of airports that facilitate domestic, regional, and international travel.

If you are planning a visit Kenya or travel to any city in Kenya, knowledge about the airports and other travel facility will be really useful. In this section we will look at:

1. About Airports in Kenya
2. List of Domestic Airports in Kenya

Airports are pivotal in supporting Kenya’s import and export activities. Products such as flowers, tea, and vegetables are flown to international markets through these facilities. Kenya's status as a top safari and beach destination heavily relies on its air connectivity. Airports act as gateways for millions of tourists visiting the Maasai Mara, Diani Beach, and other attractions.

List of International Airports in Kenya

International airports in Kenya serve both passenger and cargo flights, connecting the country to various global destinations. These airports are equipped with customs and immigration facilities.

1. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)

   JKIA located in Nairobi IATA code NBO is Kenya’s largest and busiest airport, a hub for Kenya Airways, and a key connection point for Africa, Europe, Asia Australia and America. Established on 14 March 1978, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in East and Central Africa. At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport alone, 39 airlines operate and serve flights to and from 64 destinations. Multiple terminals for domestic and international flights, cargo handling facilities, lounges, and retail spaces.

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2. Moi International Airport

   Moi International Airport located in Mombasa IATA code MBA Serves the coastal region, a major entry point for tourists heading to beach resorts. It is the second busiest among the airports in Kenya and serves as a major transportation hub.

3. Eldoret International Airport

   Eldoret International Airport Located in Eldoret IATA code EDL Primarily serves cargo flights and supports agricultural exports. This airport is located to the south of Eldoret city, in Uasin Gishu County, in midwestern Kenya. Established in 1995, this airport is situated approximately 16 km south of Eldoret Town along the Eldoret-Kisumu road.

4. Kisumu International Airport

   Kisumu International Airport located in Kisumu IATA code KIS Serves the western region of Kenya, recently upgraded to international status to support passenger and cargo traffic. Kisumu Airport, situated 4 km to the northwest of Kisumu City, is a major urban centre in Kenya. It is the third busiest and fourth international airport in Kenya.

5. Wilson Airport

   Wilson Airport Located in Nairobi IATA code WIL mainly handles domestic and regional flights, with some international charters. The airport is located about 4 km south of the central business district when measured by road. Its origins can be traced back to 1929, when it was established as Nairobi West Aerodrome.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

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List of Domestic Airports in Kenya

Domestic airports facilitate internal flights, enabling faster travel across Kenya’s vast regions. These airports are critical for connecting remote areas to major cities.

1. Malindi Airport

   Malindi Airport is located in Malindi, it serves the coastal region and nearby tourist destinations. Established in 1991, Malindi Airport is located 2.5 km west of Malindi town, with its access road connected to the southern side of the Mombasa-Malindi road. It is a transportation hub for both domestic and international travellers.

2. Ukunda Airport (Diani Airport)

   Ukunda Airport is located in Ukunda, near Diani Beach, a popular tourist destination. Located in Kwale County, Ukunda Airport is a small airfield that serves the nearby areas of Diani, Tiwi, and Msambweni. Started operating in 2013, this airport is 5.4 km away from Diani Beach.

3. Lamu Airport (Manda Airport)

   Manda Airport, also known as Lamu Airport, is a small civilian airfield located on Manda Island, which is 1.8 km away from Lamu. Lamu Airport is located in Lamu Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This airstrip was established between 1962 to 1963.

4. Nanyuki Airport

   Nanyuki Airport Located in Nanyuki serves the Mount Kenya region and nearby conservancies. Nanyuki Airport is situated on the western foothills of Mount Kenya and is 8 km to the south of the equator.

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5. Lokichogio Airport

   Lokichogio Airport is located near the Turkana region, primarily supports humanitarian and cargo operations. Lokichoggio Airport is situated 1.5 km away from the town of Lokichogio, in the northwestern region of Kenya. The airport is renowned for hosting one of the world’s largest and most enduring humanitarian aid projects.

6. Kakamega Airstrip

   Kakamega Airstrip is located in Kakamega, serving the western region of Kenya.

7. Isiolo Airport

   Isiolo Airport is located in Isiolo and is a relatively new facility serving the northern and central regions of Kenya.

8. Kitale Airport

   Kitale Airport is Located in Kitale and surrounding agricultural areas.

9. Moyale Airport

   Moyale Airport is located near the Kenya-Ethiopia border, supporting cross-border connectivity. Moyale Airport, also known as Moyale Lower Airport, is located around 12 km away from the town of Moyale in Marsabit County, Kenya. It serves as an essential gateway for travellers and contributes to regional connectivity in the northern part of Kenya.

10. Wajir Airport

    Wajir Airport is located in Wajir, supporting flights to northeastern Kenya. Wajir Airport was built between 1977 and 1978 and acts as a military airbase for the Kenya Air Force. It is the third largest and busiest Kenya airport in terms of passenger and aircraft movement.

11. Nakuru Airport

    Nakuru Airport, also known as Lanet Military Airstrip, is located around 11 km away from the town of Nakuru, in Nakuru County. It serves as an active airport for the border town of Nakuru and the surrounding communities.

12. Amboseli Airport

    Amboseli Airport is located 2.3 km away from Amboseli National Park in Kajiado County. Airkenya Express, Safarilink, and Mombasa Air Safari are the frequently operating carriers in this airport. A unique thing about this airport lies in the fact that the airstrip is located within the park itself.

13. Bamburi Airport

    Bamburi Airport is a small airport that serves Bamburi town, which is 5.4 km away. It is located in southeastern Kenya and is close to the Indian Ocean coast.

Additional Airports in Kenya

There are even more airports in Kenya, including:

• Mulika Lodge Airport (IATA: JJM, ICAO:HKMK) is located in the city of Meru National Park, Kenya.
• Kalokol Airport (Fergusons Gulf Airport) (IATA: KLK, ICAO:HKFG) is located in the city of Kalokol, Kenya.
• Eliye Springs Airport (IATA: EYS, ICAO:HKES) is located in the city of Eliye Springs, Kenya.
• Kakamega Airport (IATA: GGM, ICAO:HKKG) is located in the city of Kakamega, Kenya.

The Biggest Airlines Based in Kenya

The largest airline in the country with scheduled passenger traffic and in terms of fleet size is Kenya Airways. In 2021, it carried 2.20 million passengers. It currently has a fleet of 33 aircrafts.

In 2021, a total of 299.59 million ton-kilometers (= total mass transported in tons multiplied by kilometers traveled) of cargo was moved by air in Kenya.

Kenya Airways

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