Your Comprehensive Resource for Domestic Flights, Air Cargo Services & Airport Operations in Western Kenya
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Eldoret International Airport is a major airport in Eldoret, Kenya. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Eldoret International Airport, including domestic flights, cargo handling services, ground handling operations, and airport facilities.
The airport, operated by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), was built to boost economic growth and connect the Western region to local and international markets. It is also expected to boost the development of the largely untapped tourism circuit in Western Kenya. With modern terminal facilities, international cargo flights, and flight support services, Eldoret International Airport serves as a critical transportation hub for the region.
Eldoret International Airport Overview
Eldoret International Airport (EDL) is a medium-sized civilian airport located in Eldoret, a city in Kenya’s Uasin Gishu County, in the midwestern region. The airport is a hub for many airlines, both local and international. It connects Eldoret to several destinations and serves as an important cargo hub for Western Kenya.
Key airport specifications:
- Elevation: 7,155 feet (2,181 meters) – One of the highest airports in Africa
- IATA Code: EDL | ICAO Code: HKEL
- Single runway: 3,600 meters long × 45 meters wide
- Annual capacity: Up to 500,000 passengers | Peak capacity: 700 passengers/hour
- Operating hours: 0330 – 1730 GMT (extendable on request)
- Location: Approximately 16 kilometres south of Eldoret town on the Eldoret-Kisumu road
- Coordinates: 0.40000°N, 35.23333°E
- Modern facilities: VIP lounge, restaurants, duty-free shops, car rental services
- State-of-the-art navigation and communication systems
Airlines & Domestic Flight Destinations
Eldoret International Airport is served by five domestic airlines offering scheduled flights to multiple destinations within Kenya. The airport primarily handles domestic flights and has emerging international cargo services.
Major airlines operating domestic flights from Eldoret:
- Fly 540 – Connects Eldoret to Wilson Airport (Nairobi’s domestic hub)
- Jambojet – Low-cost carrier offering flights to Mombasa, Kisumu, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
- Kenya Airways – Flag carrier offering flights to JKIA
- Silverstone Air Services – Charter flights and scheduled service to Wilson Airport
- Skyward Express – Connects Eldoret to Wilson Airport, Mombasa, and Lodwar
The airport also handles three scheduled international cargo flights and several ad hoc freighters per week, making it an important centre for air cargo handling in Western Kenya.
Services & Facilities
Eldoret International Airport offers comprehensive ground handling and passenger services, including:
- Banking & Currency Exchange – ATM available (forex services at the town centre)
- Food & Beverages – Snack bar and departure lounge with meals and drinks
- Modern Facilities – Western-style toilets, wheelchairs for disabled passengers
- Ground Transportation – Taxis, rental cars, and hotel shuttle services
- Additional Services – Baggage wrapping, lost & found, first aid services
Cargo Services & Air Cargo Handling
Eldoret International Airport offers dedicated cargo handling services to meet the needs of businesses and individuals. The cargo terminal features modern facilities for fast and efficient cargo operations.
Cargo Capabilities:
- Dry cargo capacity: 150 metric tonnes
- Cold storage capacity: 20 metric tonnes (temperature-controlled at 2-8°C)
- Services include: Cargo acceptance, documentation, screening, storage, and delivery
- Cargo airlines: Emirates SkyCargo, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, Kalitta Air
- Cargo tracking: Online and mobile app access provided
- Additional facilities: Strong room, banking services, business centre
Ground Transportation & Accommodation
Convenient access to Eldoret International Airport is available through multiple ground transportation options. The airport is approximately 16 kilometres from Eldoret town (approximately 16 minutes by taxi).
Transport Options:
- Taxis – Readily available outside the terminal building
- Hotel Transfer Services – Available through major hotels
- Car Rentals – Available at the airport
- Accessibility – Eldoret-Kisumu road access
Nearby Accommodations (within 5 miles):
- Tiret Riverside Resort and Retreat, Eldoret (3.3 miles) – Resort with restaurant
- Poa Place Resort (3.6 miles) – Full-service resort accommodation
- Boma Inn Eldoret (4.2 miles) – Business hotel with airport shuttle
All hotels offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurants, and airport shuttle services.
Airport Codes: IATA (EDL) & ICAO (HKEL)
Understanding airport codes is essential for booking flights and
IATA Code – EDL: Used in airline reservation systems, ticketing, and baggage handling worldwide.
ICAO Code – HKEL: Used by air traffic control, pilots, and flight operations personnel for communication and flight planning.
Location & Regional Connectivity
Eldoret International Airport is strategically located in the centre of Kenya’s Rift Valley Province, making it a key transportation hub for local and international travellers. The airport serves as a gateway to the Western region and connects to major cities across East Africa.
Major nearby cities and regional connections:
- Kisumu (130 km) – Port city and third-largest city in Kenya
- Nairobi (320 km) – Capital city with Kenya’s primary international hub (JKIA)
- Mombasa (770 km) – Coastal city served by Moi International Airport
- Uganda (200 km) – Access to Bwindi and Murchison Falls National Parks
Weather & Climate
Eldoret International Airport experiences a subtropical highland climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year:
- Coldest month (January): ~10°C (50°F)
- Warmest month (July): ~18°C (64°F)
- Peak rainfall: March to May
- Weather monitoring system: Radar system monitors conditions for safe flight operations
Eldoret International Airport Contact Information
For flight inquiries, cargo services, or ground handling arrangements:
Direct Airport Numbers:
- Landline: 053-2061299, 2063377, 2063844
- Mobile: 0725536633, 0712452180, 0712452170-74
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA):
- Phone: 020-8014068/9, 020-642411/2/3/4, 0709388888
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA):
- Phone: +254-020-827470/1/2/3, +254-020-827480/1/2/3
FAQs: Eldoret International Airport
Q: What is the IATA code for Eldoret International Airport?
A: The airport code is EDL (ICAO: HKEL). Use this code when booking domestic flights from Eldoret.
Q: What are the flight schedules and available airlines?
A: Five airlines operate domestic flights from Eldoret: Fly 540, Jambojet, Kenya Airways, Silverstone Air Services, and Skyward Express. The airport also handles three scheduled international cargo flights weekly. Check with your airline for current schedules.
Q: What ground handling services are available?
A: Complete ground handling is available, including passenger services, cargo handling, baggage services, and vehicle rental. Contact the airport at 053-2061299 for specific service details.
Q: Does the airport handle cargo flights?
A: Yes. Eldoret International Airport has dedicated cargo handling facilities with a dry cargo capacity of 150 metric tonnes and cold storage for 20 metric tonnes. Three scheduled international cargo flights operate weekly, plus ad hoc freighters.
Q: What are the baggage restrictions?
A: Baggage weight limit for domestic flights is 20kg. Excess baggage fees may apply. Check with your airline for specific baggage allowances.