Top 10 Best Airports in Kenya

Major Airports in Kenya

Airports not only connect towns and cities but also play a significant role in making our journey shorter and more comfortable. With high-end travel slowly becoming affordable, more budget travelers are opting for air travel. This has promoted Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industry, therefore strengthening its economy.

There are over 40 airports and airstrips located throughout Kenya. They include International, Domestic and Military Airports. Some of these Airports are operated by KAA and receive scheduled commercial and cargo flights.

Several airports in Kenya are located close to top tourist attractions in the country. They connect travelers to cities and towns with the best sites.

If you like arriving at destinations early, flying is a great option. And whether you intend to visit Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, or Diani, there is an airport nearby.

So, here are the top 10 international and domestic airports in Kenya that ensure a high quality of service and functionality.

List of Major Airports in Kenya (IATA)

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Moi International Airport (MBA)
Kisumu International Airport (KIS)
Eldoret International Airport (EDL)
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Malindi Airport (MYD)
Ukunda Airport (UKA)
Manda Airport (LAU)
Nanyuki Airport (NYK)
Moyale Airport (OYL)

#1 Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Located about 18 kilometers from Nairobi City, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the largest aviation facility in Kenya. It is also the busiest airport in East and Central Africa. Besides being the hub for Kenya Airways (National Airline), JKIA is also a center of operation for low-cost carriers like Jambojet. The airport is owned and operated by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA).

#2 Moi International Airport (MBA)

Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa City is the second largest in the country. MBA handles local flights and more than eighteen airlines flying directly to and from Europe. It also offers flight connections to other cities in the region like Kisumu, Kampala, and Dar es Saalam.

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#3 Kisumu International Airport (KIS)

This airport is located in Kisumu City, the third-largest city in Kenya. KIS is the third-busiest and fourth international airport in the country. Flights operating to and from Kisumu include Kenyan Airways and Jambo jet.

#4 Eldoret International Airport (EDL)

Eldoret International Airport is located near Eldoret town, in Uasin Gishu County. It is one of the international airports in Kenya with scheduled passenger and cargo flights.

#5 Wilson Airport (WIL)

Serving the capital city, it is indeed one of the busiest airports with flights to many domestic airports in Kenya. Wilson Airport mostly serves operators in the tourism, agriculture, NGOs, and health care sectors. Safarilink and other local carriers offer passenger services between WIL and other airfields.

#6 Malindi Airport (MYD)

Malindi is an attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers. This created need for an airport for tourists visiting the coastal strip. The airport handles domestic flights such as Jambo Jet and Fly540.

#7 Ukunda Airport (UKA)

Diani Airport (Formally Ukunda) is a small aviation facility near Diani Beach in Kwale County. This airfield serves Diani, Msambweni, and Tiwi with domestic flights such as Air Kenya from and to Wilson airport in Nairobi. These flight services provide tourists access to inland safari destinations and coastal beach resorts.

#8 Manda Airport (LAU)

Lamu Airport (Formally Manda) is a small civilian airfield on Manda Island, Lamu County. Flights to this airport depart either from WIL, JKIA, or other smaller airfields in Kenya.

#9 Nanyuki Airport (NYK)

Located in Laikipia County, Nanyuki Airport is state-owned but leased by Tropic Air Kenya (Private). Besides commercial services, It offers private flights and helicopter services. Most traffic through Nanyuki is routed from Wilson airport, carrying tourists to various destinations.

#10 Moyale Airport (OYL)

Moyale Airport is a civilian aviation facility that serves the town of Moyale and surrounding areas. Currently, there are no known scheduled flight services to the airport. However, some airlines like Adeshfly by FLY540 operate occasional charter flights.

Other Airports in Kenya

Besides the airports on the list above, there are other airfields in Kenya worth mentioning. These aviation centers offer passenger and cargo services and are some of the best in Kenya.

They include the following;