A popular travel destination on Africa’s eastern side, Kenya is famous for its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and culture. Wildlife safaris, scenic views, exquisite beaches, and rich cultural experiences excite travel enthusiasts. Attractions like the Masai Mara National Park offer memorable wildlife adventures, and Kenya’s landscapes are spectacular. Airports in Kenya connect the country to the world, making it easy for tourists from around the globe to visit Kenya.
Kenya’s airports connect the nation to the world aviation network and facilitate travel for fun and work. Attracting tourists from all corners of the world, Kenya has a good network of airports. So, let’s explore major domestic and international airports in Kenya.
International Airports in Kenya
Kenya has 26 airports overall. Some crucial international airports in Kenya are listed below: -
1. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi
A major centre for domestic and international flights, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya is about 15 km from Nairobi’s downtown area. Launched in 1978, it became Africa’s busiest and largest airport. The airport is the central aviation unit and the major airport of the Kenya Airports Authority. Airline companies like Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Emirates connect Kenya to Asian, European, and other African countries.
- Location: Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya
- ICAO Code: HKJK
- IATA Code: NBO
- Category: International Airport
- Number of Terminals: Two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2).
- Terminal 1 is subdivided into sections 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E, and it manages domestic and international flights.
- Terminal 2 primarily serves low-cost airlines.
- Services Available:
- Lounge access
- Food stores
- Banking facilities
- Duty-free shopping
- Wi-Fi services
2. Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA), Mombasa
A vital transportation unit, Mombasa Moi International Airport is the second busiest international airport in Kenya. Built by the South African Army's Engineer Corps in 1980, it is situated 6.6 km away from the central city. It is the main entry point to the country’s coastal regions. Airlines like Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines connect Mombasa to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
- Location: Moi International Airport Mvita, Mji wa Kale, Mombasa, Kenya
- ICAO Code: HKMO
- IATA Code: MBA
- Category: International Airport
- Terminals: Two terminal buildings:
- Terminal 1 handles international flights.
- Terminal 2 manages domestic flights.
- Amenities Available:
- Assistance for disabled passengers
- Foreign exchange and banking services
- Medical services
- Duty-free shops
- Children’s play area
3. Eldoret International Airport (EDL), Eldoret
A crucial aviation centre for Western Kenya, Eldoret International Airport in Kenya is on the southern side of Eldoret along the Eldoret-Kisumu Road. It was launched in 1995 and is 16 km from the main town. The airport oversees both passenger and cargo flights. Even though the airport primarily handles domestic flights via Kenya Airways and Fly540, it connects the country to several international destinations.
- Location: Stendi Kisa - Yala Rd, Kenya
- ICAO Code: HKEL
- IATA Code: EDL
- Category: International Airport
- Terminals: One terminal for domestic and international flights.
- Services Available:
- Banking facilities
- Various dining options
- Internet access
- Prayer rooms
- Children’s play area
- VIP lounges
4. Kisumu International Airport (KIS), Kisumu
Launched in 2011, Kisumu International Airport is a central urban hub located 4 km northwest of the main city. It is Kenya’s fourth-largest airport. It is surrounded by Lake Victoria on the southern and western sides and is a central hub for regional tourists. Airlines like Kenya Airways and Jambojet connect Kisumu to various domestic and international locations.
- Location: Kisumu, Kenya
- ICAO Code: HKKI
- IATA Code: KIS
- Category: International Airport
- Terminals: One terminal for domestic and international flights.
- Amenities Available:
- ATMs
- Modern control tower
- Parking spaces
- Cafeterias and restaurants
- Medical facilities
- Lounges
Domestic Airports in Kenya
Some of the major domestic airports in Kenya are as follows: -
1. Manda Airport (LAU), Lamu
Popularly called the Lamu Airport, it is a civil airfield on Manda Island, 1.8 km away from the city centre. It was launched between 1962 and 1963. It is the main entrance to Lamu Island and its beautiful attractions. Manda domestic airport in Kenya connects the island to other cities in Kenya via airline companies such as Safarilink and Fly540.
- Location: PWV6+7C6, Manda Island Archipelago, Lamu, Kenya
- ICAO Code: HKLU
- IATA Code: LAU
- Category: Domestic Airport
- Terminals: Manda Airport has a single terminal.
- Available Services:
- Facilities for disabled people
- Lounges
- ATMs
- Cafes and restaurants
- Medical facilities
2. Malindi Airport (MYD), Malindi
Launched in 1991, Malindi domestic airport in Kenya is a central transport hub for domestic and international tourists. It is 2.5 km from Malindi’s western side, with roads properly connected to its southern side. Air Kenya Express, Fly540, Fly SAX, Mombasa Air Safari, and Jambojet are some airline companies that operate flights through this airport.
- Location: Malindi, Kenya
- ICAO Code: HKML
- IATA Code: MYD
- Category: Domestic Airport
- Terminals: Malindi Airport has one terminal that oversees domestic and international flights.
- Services Available:
- Mobile charging points
- Lockers
- 24-hour food options
3. Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi
Adjacent to the central city, Nairobi Wilson Airport is vital for travelling within the country, especially for safaris. Airline companies such as SafariLink and Fly540 operate flights through this airport to give access to attractions like Masai Mara and Lamu. It is among the busiest domestic airports in Kenya, and its remains can be traced back to 1929.
- Location: Wilson Airport, Karen, Langata Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
- ICAO Code: HKNW
- IATA Code: WIL
- Category: Domestic Airport
- Terminals: Nairobi Wilson Airport has one terminal that handles domestic and international flights.
- Services Available:
- ATMs
- Assistance to physically disabled people
- Lounges
- Retail stores
- Medical facilities
- Cafeterias and eateries
4. Amboseli Airport (ASV), Amboseli National Park
Situated 2.3 km from Amboseli National Park, the airport offers tourists a spectacular aerial view before landing. The most unusual thing about this airport is that the airstrip is situated in the park, which gives a breathtaking view of the whole park. Amboseli domestic airport in Kenya connects the province of Kajiado to other Kenyan cities. Airkenya Express, Safarilink, and Mombasa Air Safari run flights via this airport.
- Location: 963X+G9M, Ol Tukai, Kenya
- ICAO Code: HKAM
- IATA Code: ASV
- Category: Domestic Airport
- Terminals: Amboseli Airport has a single terminal building.
- Available Amenities:
- Wheelchair assistance
- Transportation facility
- VIP lounges
- Medical facilities
- Food outlets and cafeterias
Conclusion
Travelling to Kenya has become easier due to its great connectivity to the rest of the world. Airports in Kenya have greatly contributed to increased tourism. Tourists can explore anything, from big cities to offbeat attractions, which makes it easy to experience Kenyan hospitality, culture, landscapes, and wildlife. No matter where you want to go in Kenya, a travel insurance policy is essential to enjoy your trip without worries.
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