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Table of Contents
Overview: Kenya Airports Network
Kenya is home to a comprehensive network of airports that support both domestic travel and international connections across Africa and the world. The country’s main gateway, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, ranks as the busiest airport in East Africa and one of the top cargo hubs on the continent. Beyond Nairobi, Kenya operates international airports in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret, along with dozens of regional airstrips serving coastal resorts, national parks, and remote northern communities.
This guide covers every airport in Kenya — their IATA and ICAO codes, locations, facilities, airline services, cargo capabilities, nearby tourist attractions, and essential traveller information. Whether you are booking a safari flight, a beach holiday, or a business trip, this is the definitive reference.
Complete List of Airports in Kenya: IATA & ICAO Codes
The table below lists all airports in Kenya, along with their official IATA and ICAO codes and locations. Data sourced from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Wikipedia list of airports in Kenya.
| Airport Name | IATA | ICAO | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jomo Kenyatta International Airport | NBO | HKJK | Nairobi |
| Moi International Airport | MBA | HKMO | Mombasa |
| Wilson Airport | WIL | HKNW | Nairobi |
| Eldoret International Airport | EDL | HKEL | Eldoret |
| Kisumu International Airport | KIS | HKKI | Kisumu |
| Malindi Airport | MYD | HKML | Malindi |
| Ukunda Airport | UKA | HKUK | Diani Beach |
| Manda Airport | LAU | HKLU | Lamu |
| Lodwar Airport | LOK | HKLO | Lodwar |
| Nanyuki Airport | NYK | HKNY | Nanyuki |
| Wajir Airport | WJR | HKWJ | Wajir |
| Mandera Airport | NDE | HKMA | Mandera |
| Isiolo Airport | n/a | HKIS | Isiolo |
| Moyale Airport | OYL | HKMY | Moyale |
| Homa Bay Airport | n/a | HKHB | Homa Bay |
| Kapenguria Airport | n/a | HKKG | Kapenguria |
| Kitale Airport | KTL | HKKT | Kitale |
| Migori Airport | n/a | HKMI | Migori |
| Bamburi Airport | n/a | HKBU | Bamburi |
Source: Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)
Major International Airports in Kenya
Kenya’s four international airports handle scheduled international flights and are classified by the Kenya Airports Authority as international gateways. Here is a detailed look at each one.
1. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO / HKJK) — Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Kenya’s largest airport and the primary aviation hub for East and Central Africa. Located approximately 15 km southeast of Nairobi’s central business district, JKIA serves as the home hub for Kenya Airways and its low-cost subsidiary Jambojet.
IATA Code: NBO
ICAO Code: HKJK
Location: Nairobi, Nairobi County
Annual capacity: Over 7.5 million passengers; 100,000+ tonnes of cargo
Terminals: Terminal 1 (International & Domestic), Terminal 2 (International)
Key airlines: Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways
JKIA is also the leading cargo airport in sub-Saharan Africa, handling over 330,000 tonnes of freight in peak years. Its cargo terminal includes cold-chain facilities (temperatures from −18°C to +2°C) critical for Kenya’s horticultural export industry, particularly fresh flowers destined for European markets.
2. Moi International Airport (MBA / HKMO) — Mombasa
Moi International Airport (MIA) is Kenya’s second-largest airport, serving the coastal city of Mombasa and the wider Coast Province tourism region. It handles both scheduled international routes and significant charter traffic from European sun-and-beach operators.
IATA Code: MBA
ICAO Code: HKMO
Location: Mombasa, Coast County
Annual capacity: Up to 2.5 million passengers
Key airlines: Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Fly540, charter operators
MIA offers a single modern terminal with duty-free retail, VIP lounges, and foreign exchange services. It is the gateway for tourists heading to Diani Beach, Watamu, Malindi, and Kilifi.
3. Kisumu International Airport (KIS / HKKI) — Kisumu
Kisumu International Airport serves western Kenya and is an increasingly important hub for trade with Uganda, Tanzania, and the broader East African Community. The airport sits close to Lake Victoria and is a key entry point for visitors to Kisumu City and the western highlands.
IATA Code: KIS
ICAO Code: HKKI
Location: Kisumu, Kisumu County
Facilities include a VIP lounge, restaurant, duty-free shop, and forex services. Kenya Airways and Jambojet operate regular services from Nairobi.
4. Eldoret International Airport (EDL / HKEL) — Eldoret
Eldoret International Airport serves the Rift Valley region of western Kenya and is notable as a cargo hub for the horticultural industry. Eldoret is often called the ‘City of Champions’ due to its association with Kenya’s world-class long-distance runners, and the airport supports growing business and humanitarian traffic.
IATA Code: EDL
ICAO Code: HKEL
Location: Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County
Annual capacity: Up to 250,000 passengers
Key airlines: Kenya Airways, Fly540
Wilson Airport (WIL / HKNW) — Nairobi’s Domestic & Safari Hub
Wilson Airport is a general-aviation and commuter airport located in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, approximately 6 km from the city centre. It is the busiest light-aircraft airport in Africa by movements and serves as the departure point for most scheduled and charter flights to Kenya’s national parks and safari lodges.
IATA Code: WIL
ICAO Code: HKNW
Annual capacity: Up to 200,000 passengers
Key operators: SafariLink Aviation, AirKenya Express, Fly540
Key destinations: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lamu, Nanyuki, Diani Beach
Wilson Airport has a single terminal building with check-in counters, a café, and ground handling services. It is also home to several flying clubs, helicopter operators, and aerial survey companies.
Regional Airports in Kenya
Beyond the four international gateways, Kenya operates a network of regional airports that connect secondary cities, coastal resorts, and highland towns to Nairobi and other hubs. These airports are vital for business travel, cargo distribution, and domestic tourism.
Malindi Airport (MYD / HKML) — Malindi
Malindi Airport serves one of Kenya’s most historic coastal towns and a popular beach resort destination. It offers connections to Mombasa and Nairobi and is a gateway to the Malindi Marine National Park and Gede Ruins.
- Single runway capable of handling turboprop and small jet aircraft
- Facilities: VIP lounge, restaurant, duty-free shopping, forex
- Tourism draw: Malindi Marine National Park, Italian-influenced cuisine scene
Nanyuki Airport (NYK / HKNY) — Nanyuki
Nanyuki Airport sits at the foot of Mount Kenya, at an elevation of approximately 6,200 feet above sea level. It serves as a gateway to Mount Kenya National Park and several luxury conservancies, including Ol Pejeta and Lewa, which are home to critically endangered Northern White Rhinos.
- Small airstrip suitable for light aircraft and small turboprops
- Key departure point for Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Wajir Airport (WJR / HKWJ) — Wajir
Wajir Airport serves the arid northeastern region of Kenya, providing connectivity for Wajir County and the surrounding communities. It plays a key logistical role for humanitarian operations in the region.
Ukunda Airport (UKA / HKUK) — Diani Beach
Ukunda Airport (also called Diani Airport) provides direct air access to Diani Beach, one of Kenya’s most acclaimed coastal holiday destinations. Scheduled flights connect it to Wilson Airport and Mombasa, reducing the long road journey from Mombasa.
Manda Airport (LAU / HKLU) — Lamu
Manda Airport serves Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Swahili settlements in East Africa. The airport is located on Manda Island and requires a short dhow or motorboat transfer to reach Lamu town.
Airports in Kenya’s National Parks and Game Reserves
Several bush airstrips provide direct access to Kenya’s most famous wildlife areas, allowing visitors to fly from Nairobi or the coast directly to a safari lodge in under two hours. These strips are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) or private conservancies.
Amboseli Airport (ASV) — Amboseli National Park
Amboseli Airport sits within Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering dramatic views of Africa’s highest peak. The park is renowned for its large elephant herds and is considered one of the best places in Africa for close-up elephant viewing.
- Located near the park’s main Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge area
- Nearby attractions: Observation Hill viewpoint, Maasai cultural visits
- Operators: SafariLink, AirKenya
Mulika Lodge Airstrip — Meru National Park
The Mulika Lodge airstrip lies within Meru National Park, the park made famous by Joy Adamson’s story of Elsa the lioness. The airstrip serves lodges and camps in the park and is accessible via light charter aircraft from Wilson Airport.
Nakuru Airport — Lake Nakuru National Park
Nakuru Airport provides access to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flocks of flamingos, white rhinos, and diverse birdlife. The airstrip has a 1,400-metre runway and can accommodate small aircraft.
Other national park airstrips in Kenya include strips at Masai Mara (Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, Musiara), Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Samburu, and Shaba.
Remote Airports in Kenya
Kenya’s remote airports serve isolated communities across the arid north and east of the country, providing essential transport links for local populations and humanitarian agencies.
Mandera Airport (NDE / HKMA)
Located in Mandera County at the intersection of the Kenya–Somalia–Ethiopia border, Mandera Airport is a critical link for one of Kenya’s most remote counties. It serves both civilian and humanitarian traffic.
Garissa Airport — Garissa County
Garissa Airport connects Garissa County in eastern Kenya to the national air network. It supports trade and public services in the region and is used by NGOs operating in the Horn of Africa.
Marsabit Airport — Marsabit County
Marsabit Airport serves the town of Marsabit in northern Kenya, near the Marsabit National Reserve. The airport provides the primary air link to this geographically isolated county.
Lodwar Airport (LOK / HKLO) — Turkana County
Lodwar Airport in Turkana County serves Kenya’s largest county by area. It is a critical hub for development activities around Lake Turkana and for humanitarian operations in this historically underserved region.
Tana River Airport (Hola)
The Tana River Airport at Hola serves the southeastern Tana River County, providing transport links for county government, health services, and local commerce.
Kiwayu Airport — Kiwayu Island
Kiwayu Airport serves the remote island of Kiwayu off Kenya’s far northern coast, near the Kiunga Marine National Reserve. It provides access to an exclusive eco-lodge destination and is one of Kenya’s most remote airstrips.
Airlines and Cargo Operations at Kenyan Airports
Key Airlines Operating in Kenya
Kenya’s air transport market includes both full-service international carriers and domestic low-cost operators. The following airlines hold regular scheduled services:
- Kenya Airways (KQ) — National carrier; hub at JKIA; extensive African and intercontinental network
- Jambojet — Low-cost domestic and regional subsidiary of Kenya Airways
- SafariLink Aviation — Domestic and safari routes from Wilson Airport
- AirKenya Express — Scheduled domestic and charter services
- Emirates (EK) — Daily flights Dubai–Nairobi
- Ethiopian Airlines (ET) — Multiple daily Addis Ababa–Nairobi services
- British Airways (BA) — London Heathrow–Nairobi
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) — Amsterdam–Nairobi
- Qatar Airways (QR) — Doha–Nairobi
Cargo Operations
Kenya is one of Africa’s most important air cargo nations, driven primarily by its world-leading horticultural export industry. Fresh flowers, vegetables, and cut foliage are flown daily from JKIA to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Dubai, and other global distribution hubs.
JKIA cargo volume: Over 330,000 tonnes of freight annually (leading cargo airport in Africa in peak years)
Cold-chain facilities: Temperature-controlled rooms from −18°C to +2°C for perishable exports
Other cargo airports: Moi International Airport (Mombasa), Eldoret International Airport
The Kenya Airports Authority’s cargo strategy continues to attract logistics operators, with dedicated freight terminals and improving customs clearance times.
Tourist Attractions Near Kenya’s Airports
Near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi
- Nairobi National Park (15-minute drive) — Kenya’s only urban national park; lions, rhinos, giraffes
- Giraffe Centre (20-minute drive) — Sanctuary for endangered Rothschild’s giraffes
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (20 min drive) — Orphaned elephant rescue programme
- Karen Blixen Museum (25 min drive) — Home of the Out of Africa author
- Nairobi National Museum (30 min drive) — Natural history, ethnography, and art
Near Moi International Airport (MBA), Mombasa
- Diani Beach (1 hr drive south) — Consistently ranked among Africa’s best beaches
- Fort Jesus (30 min drive) — UNESCO World Heritage Site, Portuguese fort
- Haller Park (20-minute drive) — Wildlife sanctuary with hippos and giraffes
- Old Town Mombasa — Swahili architecture and spice markets
Near Amboseli Airport (ASV)
- Amboseli National Park — Game drives with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
- Observation Hill — Panoramic views over Amboseli’s plains
- Maasai village visits — Cultural experiences with local communities
Essential Travel Information for Kenyan Airports
Currency and Foreign Exchange
Kenya’s official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency. Forex bureaus, bank branches, and ATMs are available at all international terminals. Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and most retail outlets. It is advisable to carry some KES cash for taxi fares, tips, and small purchases on arrival.
Time Zone
Kenya operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3. There is no daylight saving time adjustment. Common time differences from major cities:
- London (GMT): +3 hours
- New York (EST): +8 hours | (EDT, summer): +7 hours
- Dubai (GST): −1 hour
- Sydney (AEST): −8 hours
Visa and Entry
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Kenya. The Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) replaced the former e-Visa in 2023 and must be obtained online before travel. Citizens of select East African Community member states may enter with a national identity card. Always verify requirements with the Kenya Department of Immigration before travel.
Airport Facilities
All four international airports offer immigration and customs clearance, baggage handling, forex services, car hire desks, taxi services, and food and beverage outlets. JKIA and MIA also feature VIP lounges (payable and Priority Pass-eligible), duty-free retail, hotel transit rooms, and dedicated cargo-handling facilities.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is the state corporation responsible for the management, operation, and development of all government-owned airports, aerodromes, and airstrips in Kenya. It operates under the State Corporations Act and reports to the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Public Works.
Official website: www.kaa.go.ke
Head office: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
The KAA continues to invest in infrastructure upgrades across all managed facilities, with particular focus on increasing cargo capacity at JKIA, improving regional connectivity, and meeting growing passenger demand from the East African aviation market.
FAQs: Airports in Kenya
The questions and answers below are structured to provide direct, factual responses for travellers, researchers, and AI-powered search engines.
Q: How many airports are there in Kenya?
A: As of 2024, Kenya has 15 airports managed by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), including 4 international airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Moi International Airport (MBA), Kisumu International Airport (KIS), and Eldoret International Airport (EDL). Additional airstrips serve remote and safari destinations.
Q: What is the main airport in Kenya?
A: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA: NBO, ICAO: HKJK) in Nairobi is Kenya’s main airport. It is the largest airport in Kenya and the busiest in East and Central Africa, handling over 7 million passengers annually.
Q: What are the 4 international airports in Kenya?
A: The four international airports in Kenya are: (1) Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (NBO); (2) Moi International Airport, Mombasa (MBA); (3) Kisumu International Airport (KIS); and (4) Eldoret International Airport (EDL).
Q: What is the airport code for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
A: The IATA code is NBO and the ICAO code is HKJK.
Q: Which airline uses Nairobi as a hub?
A: Kenya Airways, the national carrier, and its low-cost subsidiary Jambojet both use Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as their primary hub.
Q: What currency is used at Kenyan airports?
A: Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Forex bureaus, banks, and ATMs are available at all major airports. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at international terminals.
Q: What is Wilson Airport used for?
A: Wilson Airport (IATA: WIL, ICAO: HKNW) in Nairobi serves domestic routes and is the main hub for light aviation and charter flights to safari destinations, operated by carriers like SafariLink, AirKenya, and Fly540.
Conclusion
Kenya’s airport network — anchored by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi — is the most extensive in East Africa and a cornerstone of the country’s economy, tourism industry, and regional connectivity. From the international terminals handling millions of passengers and hundreds of thousands of tonnes of freight each year, to the remote bush strips serving isolated communities and exclusive safari lodges, Kenya’s airports reflect the country’s geographic diversity and economic ambition.
The Kenya Airports Authority continues to expand and modernise this infrastructure, ensuring that air travel remains central to Kenya’s growth story as a trade hub, tourism destination, and gateway to East Africa.
Sources
- Kenya Airports Authority — www.kaa.go.ke
- Wikipedia — List of airports in Kenya
- IATA Airport Code Directory
- ICAO Document 7910 — Location Indicators
- Kenya Airways — www.kenya-airways.com
- The Importance of Air Transport to Kenya (IATA/Oxford Economics)