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A vibrant country in East Africa, Kenya is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty, best wildlife safaris, stunning beaches, rich history and unique cultural experiences. The diverse landscape of Kenya and places like Masai Mara National Park, where you can experience magical wildlife encounters, can offer visitors a once-in-lifetime experience. Be it the snow-capped mountains, the vast deserts, dry savannahs, lush forests or rivers that run up to the coast, visitors can immerse themselves in novel experiences. Airports in Kenya play a vital role in connecting it to the global aviation grid to enable tourists to explore this beautiful country.
Explore The Top Airports In Kenya
There are several airports in Kenya. Still, the five main international and seven domestic airports in Kenya are conveniently connected to major cities and countries worldwide, and they operate regular inward and outward flights.
1. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Photo: li yong / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This airport was built in 1978 and is the biggest and busiest in Central and East Africa. Situated around 15 km from downtown Nairobi, it is a key hub for domestic and international flights to many countries. With two terminals, major airlines such as Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, and Emirates operate from this airport to destinations in Asia, Europe and Africa. The main services and amenities available in this airport include food joints, lounge access, and private meeting rooms.
Location: Embakasi, Nairobi Kenya
2. Mombasa Moi International Airport Mombasa
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The Mombasa Moi is the second busiest airport in Kenya and a major transport hub. It was established in 1980 by the Engineer Corps of South Africa. This airport, located about 6 km from Mombasa’s city centre, is an important gateway for travellers flying from coastal regions. Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines transport passengers to destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Africa. The main services and amenities available in this airport include disabled passengers assistance, banking and FOREX services, duty-free shops, medical services, and a kids’ play area.
Location: Moi International Airport Mvita, Mji wa Kale, Mombasa, Kenya
3. Eldoret International Airport Eldoret
Photo: Endesia94 / Wikimedia Commons
The Eldoret airport is situated in South Eldoret, in midwest Kenya, as a part of the Uasin Gishu County. This airport serves travellers from and to Western Kenya and is located around 17 km from the town of Eldoret on the Eldoret-Kisumu road. With a single terminal, it mainly serves the domestic regions within Kenya, major airlines such as Fly540 and Kenya Airways fly some international routes as well apart from domestic connections. The main services and amenities available in this airport include banking facilities, many dining options, prayer rooms, internet access, a kid’s play area, and VIP lounges.
Location: Stendi Kisa – Yala Rd Kenya
4. Kisumu Airport Kisumu
Photo: Toppazz / Wikimedia Commons
A primary hub for regional travellers, the Kisumu Airport is situated about 4 km northwest of the city of Kisumu. The airport was officially inaugurated in 2011 and is surrounded by the route to Uganda on the north and east sides and Lake Victoria on the southern and western sides. Airlines such as Kenya Airways and Jambojet operate flights to various cities within Kenya via this airport’s one terminal. The main services and amenities available in this airport include ATMs, modern control powers and big parking spaces.
Location: Kisumu, Kenya
5. Wajir Airport
Photo: Alex Maisuradze / Wikimedia Commons
Wajir airport is located in Wajir town, which was originally inhabited by African tribes. This airport was built between 1977 and 1988 by an Israeli construction company. Wajir Airport serves as a military airbase for the Kenyan Air Force. It is situated around 5 km from East Wajir and is the 3rd busiest and biggest airport in Kenya in terms of aeroplane and passenger movement. Both propeller and jet-engine aircraft operate from this airport’s single terminal. This airport’s main services and amenities include medical services and lounges.
Location: Wajir, Kenya
6. Nairobi Wilson Airport
Photo: flightlog / Wikimedia Commons
Situated about 4 km from the central business district of Nairobi, the Wilson Airport in Nairobi mainly caters to domestic travel within the country, predominantly for safari areas. It was established in 1929 in the name of Nairobi West Aerodrome. It is touted to be one of the busiest airports in the country in terms of traffic. It is situated near the city centre and used by airlines such as Fly540 and SafariLink to visit places such as Lamu and Maasai Mara. The main services and amenities available in this airport include lounges, ATMs and facilities for disabled passengers.
Location: Wilson Airport, Karen, Langata Rd, Nairobi Kenya
7. Manda Airport
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Also known as the Lamu Airport, the Manda Airport is a civilian airstrip situated on Manda Island. Situated around 1.8 km from Lamu, the Manda Airport functions as an entry point to Lamu Island and all its attractions. This airfield was set up between 1962 and 1963. This airport is ideal for tourists who wish to explore Lamu and is served by flights such as Fly540 and Safarilink that ply from Nairobi Wilson, Jomo Kenyatta and other Kenyan airports. The main services and amenities available in this airport include lounges and facilities for disabled people.
Location: Manda Island Archipelago, Lamu Kenya
8. Malindi International Airport
Photo: KenyanAviation / Wikimedia Commons
Built-in 1991, the Malindi Airport is situated around 2.5 km from the town of Malindi, with access to the Malindi-Mombasa road. Malindi Airport offers travellers both domestic and international connections. It offers tourists easy access to the historical sites and beaches of Malindi town. Airlines, including Silverstone Air and Kenya Airways, Fly Sax, Fly540, Mombasa Air Safari and Jambojet operate from this airport. The main services and amenities available in this airport include lockers, mobile charging areas and 24-hour food joints.
Location: Malindi, Kenya
9. Ukunda Airport
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Operating since 2013 and situated in Kwale County, the Ukunda Airport serves Diani town and its nearby areas like Masambweni and Tiwi. Around 5 km from Diani Beach, Ukunda Airport makes it convenient for travellers to visit coastal tourist destinations to enjoy water sports and beaches. Airlines like Air Kenya, FLY540, Jambojet, Skyward Express and Safarilink fly from Maasai Mara and Nairobi to this airport. The main services and amenities available at this airport include ATMs, medical services, and gift shops.
Location: Diani beach, Kenya
10. Nanyuki Airport
Photo: Dmitry A. Mottl / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nanyuki Airport rests in the foothills of the Kenyan mountains and was officially inaugurated in 1970. It is a hub for both private planes and helicopter services. For adventure-seekers who wish to visit Mount Kenya National Park and the adjoining areas, Nanyuki airport is the perfect gateway with airlines like Air Kenya, Fly SAX and Safarilink airlines transporting them from the town to other destinations within Kenya. The main services and amenities available in this airport include taxi services and shops selling African handicrafts.
Location: Nanyuki, Kenya
11. Nakuru Airport
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Also known as the Lanet military airstrip, the Nakuru airport is located 11 km from the agricultural town of Nakuru. This airport is a major connecting point for Nakuru town and its nearby communities. This airport provides access to Lake Nakuru National Park, situated in the Green Rift Valley. This park is popular for its wildlife and flamingos. Fly450 and Safarilink fly to this airport from Maasai Mara and Nairobi.
Location: P533+4M3, Dundori Olkalou, Road, Nakuru, Kenya
12. Bamburi Airport
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A small airport that serves the town of Bamburi, the Bamburi airport is 5km away from the town. It is located in southeast Kenya, close to the Indian Ocean’s coast. Bamburi Airport is the passage for tourists to explore the coastal areas of Mombasa and its beautiful beaches. Airlines like Silverstone Air and Skyward Express operate from this airport to Malindi and Nairobi. The main services and amenities available in this airport include gift shops and coffee shops.
Location: Mombasa Kenya
Be it the wildlife safaris, national parks, beaches or historic sites, you will be spoilt for choice for the places to visit or things to see in Kenya. Airports in Kenya provide effortless access to iconic Kenyan destinations such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi. Plan your Kenya itinerary with TripXL and make every journey via the airports in Kenya an unforgettable one.
Cover Photo: Jeffry S.S. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
