Last updated: June 2026
Moi International Airport, also known by its IATA code MBA and ICAO code HKMO, is the main international airport serving Mombasa, Kenya.
It is one of Kenya’s key aviation gateways and plays an important role in connecting the country’s coastal region with Nairobi, East Africa, the Middle East, Europe and other seasonal travel markets.
Located near Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline, Moi International Airport supports tourism, business travel, cargo movement, private aviation, charter flights and regional connectivity.
For travellers, it is the primary airport for Mombasa and a practical gateway for Diani, Nyali, Kilifi, Watamu, Malindi, Shanzu and other coastal destinations.
For aircraft operators, Moi International Airport is relevant for flight support in Kenya, ground handling in Mombasa, Jet A-1 fuel coordination, landing permits, overflight permits, cargo support, private aviation and coastal Africa operations.
Why Moi International Airport Matters
Moi International Airport is the main aviation gateway to Kenya’s coastal region.
The airport supports:
- Domestic passenger travel
- Regional and international flights
- Tourism and leisure travel
- Private jet and charter operations
- Cargo and logistics movements
- Business travel
- Crew and passenger transfers
- Technical stops and fuel stops, where suitable
- Medevac, humanitarian or special mission support, where applicable
Mombasa remains an important aviation market because of its coastal tourism, port activity, trade links, regional connectivity and position on the East African coast.
For operators planning flights into Kenya, Moi International Airport is one of the most relevant airports after Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Location and Accessibility
Moi International Airport is located in Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city.
The airport is approximately 10 km from Mombasa city centre, making it convenient for passengers travelling to the city, coastal hotels, business areas, resorts and tourism destinations.
The airport can be useful for travellers heading to:
- Mombasa Island
- Nyali
- Bamburi
- Shanzu
- Diani
- Kilifi
- Watamu
- Malindi
- Tsavo National Park
- South Coast beach resorts
- Coastal business and port-related destinations
Transfer times depend on traffic, final destination, road conditions and hotel or resort location. For VIP passengers, business travellers and crew, pre-arranged transport is recommended.
Airport Codes and Coordinates
Airport name: Moi International Airport
City: Mombasa, Kenya
IATA code: MBA
ICAO code: HKMO
Time zone: East Africa Time, UTC+3
Approximate coordinates: 4.0328° S, 39.5948° E
Airport type: Civilian/international
Operator: Kenya Airports Authority
Airport codes are important for flight planning, dispatch, air traffic services, airport handling coordination, passenger itinerary planning and permit applications.
Operators should verify current airport data, runway information, declared distances, operating hours, procedures, NOTAMs, and airfield status using the current KCAA AIP/eAIP and briefing products before operation.
Official aeronautical information resources:
- KCAA AIM / NOTAM / PIB: https://aim.kcaa.or.ke/
- KCAA eAIP: https://eaip.kcaa.or.ke/
Nearby Airports and Airfields
Operators and travellers may also consider nearby airports and airfields depending on the mission.
Nearby aviation points include:
- Vipingo Airstrip
- Ukunda Airstrip
- Malindi Airport
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
- Wilson Airport, Nairobi
The right airport depends on aircraft type, runway suitability, passenger destination, ground transport, handling availability, permits, fuel requirements, CIQ needs, luggage or cargo profile and operational timing.
For example, Moi International Airport may be suitable for an international arrival into the coastal region, while Ukunda may be more convenient for certain Diani-related light aircraft or regional movements, subject to aircraft suitability and current operating conditions.
Facilities and Terminals at Moi International Airport
Moi International Airport supports domestic, regional and international passenger operations.
Passenger facilities may include:
- Check-in counters
- Security screening
- Immigration and customs areas
- Baggage claim
- Airline offices
- Passenger waiting areas
- Retail and duty-free services
- Food and beverage outlets
- ATMs or currency services, where available
- Wi-Fi or connectivity support, where available
- Parking and ground transport access
- Passenger assistance services
Facilities and service availability may change based on terminal operations, airline schedules, airport works, staffing and passenger demand. Travellers should check current airport or airline information before travel.
Airport Updates and Development
Moi International Airport has attracted attention through recent and proposed airport improvement activities, including tenders linked to passenger services and airside works.
These developments may include improvements related to passenger facilities, restaurant and lounge opportunities, pavement works, airfield ground lighting and other airport infrastructure projects.
For travellers, such activity may support a better airport experience over time. For operators, airport works and upgrades can also affect airside flow, passenger processing, ramp movement, NOTAMs or temporary procedures.
Operators should verify current project status, airport works, NOTAMs and operational restrictions before confirming a flight.
Airlines and Destinations
Moi International Airport connects Mombasa with domestic, regional and international destinations.
Common route markets may include:
- Nairobi
- Other Kenyan cities
- East African regional points
- Middle East connections
- European leisure markets
- Coastal and tourism-linked routes
Airlines and destinations change by season, demand, schedule planning and market conditions. Travellers and operators should check current routes directly with the airline, airport, travel provider or flight schedule source before planning.
Mombasa’s role as a coastal tourism gateway makes the airport important for leisure travel, charter operations, private aviation and seasonal international connectivity.
VIP Services and Passenger Support
Moi International Airport can support passengers who require additional assistance, comfort or privacy, depending on airport procedures and service availability.
VIP or premium passenger support may include:
- Meet-and-greet assistance
- Airport assistance
- Lounge arrangements, where available
- Baggage support
- Private transfers
- Hotel coordination
- Concierge planning
- Special assistance support
- Crew or passenger transport
VIP handling can be useful for:
- Private jet travellers
- Executive passengers
- Business delegations
- Safari travellers
- High-profile guests
- Charter passengers
- Crew and passenger transfers
- Special assistance requests
VIP, diplomatic or protocol handling should be requested in advance and is subject to airport, authority and security procedures.
For private travellers, the visible journey begins at arrival. For operations teams, the work begins much earlier through permits, ground handling, transport, crew support, fuel, parking and passenger coordination.
Kenya eTA and Entry Requirements
Passengers and crew travelling to Kenya should confirm entry requirements before departure.
Kenya uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation system for many travellers. Depending on nationality and exemption status, passengers and crew may need an approved eTA before travel.
Operators should confirm:
- Passport validity
- eTA requirement or exemption status
- Passenger manifest
- Crew manifest
- General Declaration, where required
- Customs requirements
- VIP or protocol requirements, where applicable
- Special passenger requirements, where applicable
Entry requirements should not be left until arrival, especially for private, charter, medevac, crew change, VIP or short-notice operations.
Official Kenya eTA information: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
Flight Support at Moi International Airport
For aircraft operators, Moi International Airport requires careful planning, especially for international, charter, cargo, private jet, medevac, diplomatic, ferry or short-notice flights.
Key operational areas to confirm before operating into MBA/HKMO include:
- Landing permit requirements
- Kenya overflight permits, where applicable
- Aircraft documents
- Crew details
- Passenger manifest
- Cargo documents, where applicable
- Dangerous goods documents, where applicable
- Ground handling arrangements
- Parking or slot requirements
- Jet A-1 fuel uplift
- CIQ coordination
- Crew transport and hotel support
- VIP or passenger assistance
- Weather and NOTAM review
- Flight plan filing and dispatch support
- After-hours and escalation contacts
AAES provides 24/7 flight support across Africa, including flight planning, dispatch, permits, slots, Jet A-1 fuel coordination, ground handling supervision and concierge support.
Landing Permits and Overflight Permits in Kenya
Flights into Kenya may require landing permits, depending on the type of operation, aircraft registration, flight category, route, schedule, and purpose of the flight.
Operators should not treat permits as last-minute paperwork. Permit delays often happen when documents are incomplete, schedules change, passenger or cargo details are missing, authority follow-up is delayed, or the permit request does not match the final flight plan.
For flights into Moi International Airport, operators should confirm:
- Flight schedule
- Entry and exit points
- ATS routing
- Aircraft registration
- Aircraft documents
- Crew details
- Passenger manifest
- Purpose of flight
- Local receiving party, where required
- Cargo documentation, where applicable
- Dangerous goods documentation, where applicable
- Insurance and airworthiness documents
- Permit validity and amendment requirements
AAES supports landing and overflight permits in Africa through documentation review, compliance-focused checks and operational follow-up.
Ground Handling at Moi International Airport
Ground handling at Mombasa Airport should be arranged before arrival, especially for non-scheduled, private, cargo, medevac, ferry or charter flights.
The handling scope should be confirmed clearly and may include:
- Arrival and departure coordination
- Ramp supervision
- Aircraft parking coordination
- Passenger handling
- Baggage handling
- Crew support
- Aircraft cleaning
- Airside transport
- Catering coordination
- GSE coordination
- Cargo handling support
- CIQ support
- Fuel coordination
- Communication between the handler, crew and operations team
- After-hours or escalation contacts
Ground handling should not be assumed after touchdown. Operators should confirm the appointed handler, service scope, equipment, timing, passenger flow and fuel sequence before arrival.
AAES supports ground handling coordination in Africa with operational follow-up for passenger, ramp, baggage and cargo operations.
Jet A-1 Fuel and Aircraft Refuelling in Mombasa
Fuel planning is one of the most important parts of aircraft operations at Moi International Airport.
Operators should confirm fuel requirements early, especially for tight turnarounds, charter flights, ferry flights, cargo operations, diversions, technical stops or long-haul departures.
Before arrival, operators should confirm:
- Jet A-1 fuel availability
- Required uplift volume
- Fuel release process
- Payment or credit arrangements
- Bowser timing
- Handler coordination
- Turnaround timeline
- Backup fuel options, where needed
- Aircraft parking and fuel access
- Documentation requirements
Fuel timing should be coordinated with ground handling, parking, passenger flow, cargo loading and departure planning.
AAES provides aircraft fuelling support in Africa and can help coordinate uplift timing, documentation and local fuel arrangements.
Cargo Handling at Moi International Airport
Moi International Airport also supports air cargo activity linked to coastal trade, tourism, regional logistics and special cargo movements.
For cargo operators, planning should include:
- Cargo manifest
- Air Waybill
- Consignee and consignor details
- Customs documentation
- Handling equipment
- Storage requirements
- Security requirements
- Special cargo handling needs
- Ground transport coordination
- Loading and unloading sequence
- Dangerous goods documents, where applicable
- Cold-chain or temperature-sensitive requirements, where applicable
AAES can coordinate cargo-handling support with relevant stakeholders, including cargo handlers, clearing agents, ground teams, and local service providers, where applicable.
Cargo planning should begin before arrival, especially for regulated goods, perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, humanitarian cargo or time-sensitive shipments.
Transportation from Moi International Airport
Moi International Airport offers access to several ground transport options for passengers arriving in Mombasa.
These may include:
- Taxis
- Hotel transfers
- Private cars
- Shuttle services
- Car rentals
- Chauffeur services
- Group transport, where arranged
For leisure travellers, pre-arranged transfers are often preferred, especially for passengers heading to coastal resorts in Diani, Nyali, Watamu, Kilifi or Malindi.
For business travellers, VIP passengers and crew, private transfers are recommended to reduce waiting time and improve coordination.
AAES offers concierge support, including private transfers, chauffeur services, rental car coordination and premium hotel support for passengers and crew.
Hotels Near Moi International Airport
Travellers can choose from airport-area hotels, city hotels and coastal resorts depending on schedule, budget and final destination.
Popular accommodation areas include:
- Mombasa city centre
- Nyali
- Bamburi
- Shanzu
- Diani
- Kilifi
- Watamu
- Malindi
For crew and VIP passengers, hotel selection should consider:
- Transfer time
- Security
- Check-in flexibility
- Meal availability
- Early departure support
- Proximity to airport or final destination
- Crew duty and rest requirements
- Transport reliability
For aviation operators, crew accommodation should be confirmed alongside transport, entry requirements, duty-time considerations and next-sector planning.
Operational Information for MBA/HKMO
Airport name: Moi International Airport
City: Mombasa, Kenya
IATA code: MBA
ICAO code: HKMO
Airport type: Civilian/international
Operator: Kenya Airports Authority
Time zone: UTC+3
Main use: Commercial, private, charter, cargo and regional aviation
Location: Mombasa, Kenya
Operators should always verify current NOTAMs, airport operating conditions, runway availability, airfield lighting, CIQ hours, parking availability, fuel arrangements and handling requirements before confirming the movement.
Current aeronautical information should be checked through KCAA AIP/eAIP and briefing products.
Why Operators Should Plan Early for Moi International Airport
A route into Mombasa may look straightforward, but the operation still depends on multiple moving parts.
The most common areas requiring early coordination include:
- Permit processing
- Schedule changes
- Aircraft documentation
- Passenger paperwork
- Cargo paperwork
- Fuel uplift timing
- Ground handling scope
- Parking and slot coordination
- Crew transport
- Crew accommodation
- Customs and immigration requirements
- VIP handling
- Special passenger needs
- Weather and NOTAM checks
- After-hours contacts
Strong planning reduces the chance of last-minute delays, miscommunication and turnaround pressure.
Operator Checklist for Moi International Airport
Before operating in MBA/HKMO, confirm:
- Aircraft type and registration
- Flight schedule
- Landing permit requirements
- Overflight permit requirements, where applicable
- Flight plan routing
- Current NOTAMs
- Weather and airport conditions
- Parking or stand status
- Ground handler
- Fuel order and uplift quantity
- Fuel release or payment process
- Passenger manifest
- Crew manifest
- Kenya eTA or exemptions
- General Declaration, where required
- Cargo manifest, where applicable
- Dangerous goods documents, where applicable
- CIQ coordination
- VIP support, where applicable
- Crew transport
- Crew hotel, where required
- Catering, where required
- Passenger transport
- Cargo handler, where applicable
- After-hours and escalation contacts
AAES Flight Support at Moi International Airport
AAES provides aviation support to operators flying into Moi International Airport and other airports across Africa.
Our services include:
- Flight support in Africa
- Flight planning and dispatch
- Landing permits
- Overflight permits
- Slot and parking coordination
- Ground handling supervision
- Jet A-1 fuel coordination
- Cargo handling support
- VIP handling
- Concierge services
- Crew hotel and transport support
- Passenger transfer support
- Diversion support
- 24/7 operations desk assistance
AAES supports permits, flight planning, dispatch, Jet A-1 fuel coordination, ground handling, cargo support and concierge services.
Email: sales@aaes.aero
Phone: +254 725 284 509
FAQs: Moi International Airport
Where is Moi International Airport located?
Moi International Airport is located in Mombasa, Kenya. It is the main airport serving Kenya’s coastal region and is approximately 10 km from Mombasa city centre.
What is the IATA code for Moi International Airport?
The IATA code for Moi International Airport is MBA.
What is the ICAO code for Moi International Airport?
The ICAO code for Moi International Airport is HKMO.
Is Moi International Airport an international airport?
Yes. Moi International Airport handles domestic, regional and international flights. It supports commercial airlines, charter operators, private aviation and cargo movements.
Does Moi International Airport serve Diani and Kenya’s coast?
Yes. Moi International Airport is one of the main gateways for travellers visiting Mombasa, Diani, Nyali, Kilifi, Watamu, Malindi and other coastal destinations.
Can private jets operate into Moi International Airport?
Private jet operations can be supported at Moi International Airport, subject to permit, parking, handling, fuel, CIQ, aircraft suitability and operational requirements.
Are landing permits required for Kenya?
Landing permit requirements depend on the type of operation, aircraft, route, schedule and purpose of flight. Operators should confirm permit requirements before departure.
Can AAES support landing permits and overflight permits in Kenya?
Yes. AAES supports landing permits, overflight permits and related flight permit coordination across Africa, including Kenya.
Is Jet A-1 fuel available at Moi International Airport?
Jet A-1 fuel support should be confirmed before operation. AAES can assist with fuel uplift coordination, supplier follow-up, documentation and timing alignment.
Does AAES provide ground handling at Moi International Airport?
AAES coordinates ground-handling supervision and operational support for flights at airports across Africa, including Kenya.
Does Moi International Airport have free Wi-Fi?
Passenger Wi-Fi or connectivity support may vary. Travellers should check the latest airport or airline information before travel.
How can I contact AAES for flight support at Moi International Airport?
For permits, fuel, ground handling, VIP handling, cargo support or flight support at Moi International Airport, contact sales@aaes.aero or call +254 725 284 509.