Kenya is home to several airports that serve both domestic and international flights. The country’s main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, located in the capital city of Nairobi. It is the busiest airport in East Africa and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Kenya Airways and Jambojet.
Other notable airports in Kenya include Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Wilson Airport. Each of these airports offers unique services and amenities to travelers, ranging from duty-free shopping to VIP lounges. Additionally, the Kenya Airports Authority manages several smaller airstrips throughout the country that serve remote areas and safari destinations.
Airport Table Lists
| Airport Name | IATA Code | ICAO Code | 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: List of airports in Kenya – Wikipedia and Airports in Kenya – Locations and IATA and ICAO Codes)
Overall, Kenya’s airports are critical to the country’s economy and tourism industry. They provide essential transportation services to both locals and visitors, and the government is continually investing in their development and expansion. With the country’s strategic location and growing economy, it is likely that Kenya’s airports will continue to play a vital role in the region’s air travel industry.
Major Airports in Kenya
Kenya is home to several major airports that play a vital role in connecting the country with the rest of the world. The airports are located in various parts of the country, with the busiest ones situated in Nairobi and Mombasa. Here are some of the major airports in Kenya:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the largest airport in Kenya and one of the busiest airports in Africa. It is located in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The airport serves as a hub for Kenya Airways, the national carrier of Kenya. JKIA has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which handle both domestic and international flights. The airport has a capacity of handling up to 7.5 million passengers annually.
Moi International Airport
Moi International Airport (MIA) is the second-largest airport in Kenya and is located in Mombasa, the second-largest city in the country. The airport serves both domestic and international flights and is a hub for several airlines, including Kenya Airways, Jambojet, and Fly540. MIA has a single terminal that is capable of handling up to 2.5 million passengers annually.
Eldoret International Airport
Eldoret International Airport (EIA) is located in Eldoret, a town in the western part of Kenya. The airport serves both domestic and international flights and is a hub for several airlines, including Kenya Airways and Fly540. EIA has a single terminal that is capable of handling up to 250,000 passengers annually.
Wilson Airport
Wilson Airport is a small airport located in Nairobi, Kenya. The airport serves as a hub for several domestic airlines, including SafariLink, AirKenya, and Fly540. Wilson Airport has a single terminal that is capable of handling up to 200,000 passengers annually.
Overall, these airports play a crucial role in connecting Kenya with the rest of the world. JKIA and MIA are the busiest airports in the country and are located in Nairobi and Mombasa, respectively. EIA and Wilson Airport are smaller airports that serve both domestic and international flights.
Regional Airports
Kenya is home to several regional airports that serve the needs of local communities and tourists. These airports are located in different parts of the country and offer various services to their users. In this section, we will provide an overview of some of the regional airports in Kenya.
Kisumu Airport
Kisumu Airport is located in Kisumu County, in the western part of Kenya. It is one of the busiest regional airports in the country, serving both domestic and international flights. The airport has a single runway and can handle different types of aircraft. It is also equipped with modern facilities such as a VIP lounge, restaurants, and duty-free shops.
Wajir Airport
Wajir Airport is located in Wajir County, in the northeastern part of Kenya. It serves as a gateway to the northern region of the country, connecting it to other parts of Kenya and neighboring countries. The airport has a single runway and can handle different types of aircraft. It is also equipped with modern facilities such as a VIP lounge, restaurants, and duty-free shops.
Nanyuki Airport
Nanyuki Airport is located in Nanyuki, in the central part of Kenya. It is a small regional airport that serves the needs of the local community and tourists. The airport has a single runway and can handle small aircraft. It is also equipped with basic facilities such as a waiting lounge and a small restaurant.
Malindi Airport
Malindi Airport is located in Malindi, in the coastal region of Kenya. It serves as a gateway to the popular tourist destination of Malindi and other parts of the coastal region. The airport has a single runway and can handle different types of aircraft. It is also equipped with modern facilities such as a VIP lounge, restaurants, and duty-free shops.
Amboseli Airport
Amboseli Airport is located in Amboseli National Park, in the southern part of Kenya. It serves as a gateway to the park and other nearby attractions. The airport has a single runway and can handle small aircraft. It is also equipped with basic facilities such as a waiting lounge and a small restaurant.
In conclusion, Kenya’s regional airports play a crucial role in connecting local communities and tourists to different parts of the country. They are equipped with modern facilities and can handle different types of aircraft. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, these airports offer convenient and efficient services to meet your needs.
Airports in National Parks
Kenya is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the world, and there are several airports located within these parks to make it easier for visitors to access them. Here are two of the most prominent airports located in the national parks:
Mulika Lodge Airport
Mulika Lodge Airport is located in the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Kenya. The airport is situated near the Mulika Lodge, which is a popular hotel located in the reserve. The airport has a single runway that is 1,200 meters long and can accommodate small planes. Visitors can use this airport to access the Masai Mara National Reserve and enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty of the park.
Nakuru Airport
Nakuru Airport is located in the Lake Nakuru National Park, which is another popular destination for tourists visiting Kenya. The airport has a single runway that is 1,400 meters long and can accommodate small planes. Visitors can use this airport to access the Lake Nakuru National Park and enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty of the park.
Both of these airports are located within the national parks, which makes it easier for visitors to access the parks and enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty of Kenya. Visitors can use these airports to fly into the parks and then use ground transportation to explore the parks further.
In addition to these airports, there are several other airports located throughout Kenya that visitors can use to access the national parks and other destinations in the country. These airports are managed by the Kenya Airports Authority, which is responsible for ensuring that they are safe and efficient for visitors to use.
Remote Airports
Kenya has several remote airports that serve different regions across the country. These airports play a crucial role in connecting remote areas to the rest of the country and the world. This section will cover the following remote airports: Mandera Airport, Garissa Airport, Marsabit Airport, Tana River Airport, and Kiwayu Airport.
Mandera Airport
Mandera Airport is located in the northeastern part of Kenya, in the town of Mandera. It is a small airport that serves the local population and connects them to other parts of the country. The airport has a single runway and can accommodate small aircraft. It is operated by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and serves as a vital link for the region’s social and economic development.
Garissa Airport
Garissa Airport is situated in the town of Garissa, located in the eastern part of Kenya. It is a small airport that serves the local population and connects them to other parts of the country. The airport has a single runway and can accommodate small aircraft. It is operated by the KAA and serves as a vital link for the region’s social and economic development.
Marsabit Airport
Marsabit Airport is located in the town of Marsabit, located in the northern part of Kenya. It is a small airport that serves the local population and connects them to other parts of the country. The airport has a single runway and can accommodate small aircraft. It is operated by the KAA and serves as a vital link for the region’s social and economic development.
Tana River Airport
Tana River Airport is situated in the town of Hola, located in the southeastern part of Kenya. It is a small airport that serves the local population and connects them to other parts of the country. The airport has a single runway and can accommodate small aircraft. It is operated by the KAA and serves as a vital link for the region’s social and economic development.
Kiwayu Airport
Kiwayu Airport is located in the town of Kiwayu, located in the northeastern part of Kenya. It is a small airport that serves the local population and connects them to other parts of the country. The airport has a single runway and can accommodate small aircraft. It is operated by the KAA and serves as a vital link for the region’s social and economic development.
In conclusion, Kenya has several remote airports that serve different regions across the country. These airports play a crucial role in connecting remote areas to the rest of the country and the world.
Airline and Cargo Information
Kenya has a well-developed air transport industry, with several airports handling both passenger and cargo traffic. The country’s flagship carrier, Kenya Airways, is the largest airline in the country in terms of scheduled passenger traffic and fleet size [1].
Kenya Airways operates from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which is the largest airport in the country and the busiest in East and Central Africa. JKIA is located in Nairobi and has two runways, with a capacity of handling over 7 million passengers annually. The airport also has a cargo terminal, which is capable of handling over 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually [1].
In addition to Kenya Airways, other airlines that operate in Kenya include Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, British Airways, and KLM. These airlines operate both passenger and cargo flights to and from various destinations around the world.
Cargo is an important aspect of air transport in Kenya, with the country’s airports handling a significant amount of cargo annually. In 2020, JKIA handled over 330,000 tonnes of freight, making it the leading airport in Africa in terms of cargo handling [5]. Other airports that handle cargo traffic in Kenya include Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Eldoret International Airport.
The cargo handled by Kenya’s airports includes a wide range of products, including fresh produce, flowers, and other perishable goods. The country is known for its exports of fresh produce, particularly flowers, which are transported to various destinations around the world via air transport. The cargo terminal at JKIA has specialized facilities for handling perishable goods, including cold rooms with temperatures ranging from -18°C to 2°C [1].
Overall, the air transport industry in Kenya is a vital component of the country’s economy, facilitating both passenger and cargo traffic and connecting the country to various destinations around the world.
References
- Kenya Airports Authority : Cargo at JKIA
- Kenya Airports Authority : Airports
- Largest airports and airlines in Kenya
- PDF The Importance of Air Transport to Kenya
- Nairobi airport leads the pack in cargo handling
Tourist Attractions Near Airports
Kenya is a beautiful country with a diverse range of tourist attractions that are easily accessible from its airports. Here are some of the top tourist attractions near Kenya’s airports:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is Kenya’s largest airport and serves as the main gateway to the country. It is located in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. There are several tourist attractions near the airport that are worth visiting, including:
- Nairobi National Park: This park is located just a short drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and is home to a variety of wildlife, including black rhinos, zebras, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, ostriches, baboons, vultures, crocodiles, and various species of antelope.
- Giraffe Centre: This is a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and is located just a short distance from the airport. Visitors can feed and interact with the giraffes, learn about their conservation, and enjoy a panoramic view of Nairobi.
Amboseli Airport (ASV)
Amboseli Airport is a small airport located near Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s most popular national parks. The park is known for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Some of the top tourist attractions near Amboseli Airport include:
- Amboseli National Park: This park is located just a short drive from the airport and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and various species of antelope. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks, and cultural visits to the local Maasai communities.
- Observation Hill: This is a popular viewpoint located within Amboseli National Park that offers stunning panoramic views of the park and Mount Kilimanjaro. Visitors can climb to the top of the hill and enjoy a picnic while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Kenya’s airports offer easy access to some of the country’s top tourist attractions. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, nature, or culture, there’s something for everyone near Kenya’s airports.
Currency and Other Information
Kenya’s unit of currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Each shilling is divided into 100 cents. There are no currency restrictions into or out of Kenya for currency transactions. Forex bureaus are available both at the airport and at the city center with various currencies being traded. Different banks and foreign exchange bureaus have been set up at various points of the airport’s arrival and departure terminals to facilitate currency exchange.
Passengers traveling to Kenya are advised to carry some cash in Kenyan shillings to cater to their immediate needs such as taxi fares, meals, and tips. Credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, and ATMs are also available in most urban centers.
In addition to currency exchange services, the airport offers other essential facilities such as email and internet services. The airport’s ICAO code is HKJK, and its IATA code is NBO.
For travelers from the United States, it is important to note that the time difference between Kenya and the United States varies depending on the location. Nairobi is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), 8 hours ahead of Central Standard Time (CST), 9 hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time (MST), and 10 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Overall, travelers to Kenya can expect a hassle-free experience when it comes to currency exchange and other essential services at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many airports are there in Kenya?
As of 2023, there are 15 airports in Kenya, with 4 of them being international airports.
What are the major airports in Kenya?
The major airports in Kenya are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Wilson Airport, and Eldoret International Airport.
What are the 4 international airports in Kenya?
The 4 international airports in Kenya are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, and Eldoret International Airport.
What are the top 3 airports in Kenya?
The top 3 airports in Kenya are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, and Wilson Airport.
What is the airport code for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport?
The airport code for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is NBO.
What is the email address format for Kenya Airports Authority staff?
The email address format for Kenya Airports Authority staff is firstname.lastname@kaa.go.ke.
It is important to note that the information provided in this section is accurate as of 2023 and subject to change.