Mombasa's Airport: An Essential Travel Gateway

is there an airport in mombasa

Yes, there is an airport in Mombasa, Kenya. Known as Moi International Airport, it is located about 10 kilometres west of the city centre and is one of the busiest airports in the country. The airport was expanded to an international airport in 1979 and was named after former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi. It serves as a key entry point for tourists and business travellers, offering both domestic and international flights.

Characteristics Values
Name Moi International Airport, Mombasa Moi Airport, Mombasa Airport
Location 10km west of Mombasa, Kenya
Elevation 61m (200 ft) above sea level
Number of Runways 2
Runway 1 (3/21) Length 3,350m (10,990 ft)
Runway 2 (15/33) Length 1,260m (4,130 ft)
Number of Terminals 2
Airlines Condor, Smartwings, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Swiss, Emirates, Saudia, Skyward Express, Air France, and more
Amenities Duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange services, ATMs, car rental services, prayer room, travel agents, tour operators, post office, Wi-Fi, limited disabled facilities
Parking Limited short-term and long-term parking
Nearby Airports Ukunda Airport, Bamburi Airport, Malindi Airport

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Moi International Airport

Yes, there is an airport in Mombasa, Kenya. The Moi International Airport (MBA/HKMO) is an international airport in Mombasa, Kenya's second-largest city. It is located approximately 10 kilometres west of the city centre and is one of the busiest airports in the country. The airport was expanded to an international airport in 1979 and was named after former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi during his tenure. Moi International Airport has a strategic geographical location on the coastal region of the Indian Ocean, making it an ideal airport for tourists and trade.

The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 primarily serving international flights and Terminal 2 catering to domestic flights. Some airlines, such as Kenya Airways, use Terminal 1 for both domestic and international flights. The airport offers duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange services, ATMs, and car rental services. It is well-connected by road, with taxis, shuttles, and public transport options available for easy access to and from the airport.

The airport has also played a significant role in humanitarian missions. In 1992, it served as the headquarters for the US Central Command's regional command and control for Operation Provide Relief. During Operation Support Hope in 1994, the airport was used as a refuelling station for C-141 and C-5 freighter jets returning to Europe due to the scarcity of fuel in the African interior.

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Ukunda Airport

The airport provides regular flights to Nairobi and other coastal towns, making it a preferred choice for tourists visiting the Diani Beach area. In addition to these regular destinations, flights from Ukunda Airport also service Wilson.

In terms of the airport's infrastructure, Ukunda Airport is small, with bags left outside for passengers to collect. In January 2019, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) commissioned a mobile airport control tower for Ukunda Airport, procured at a price of KSh150 million (approximately US$1.5 million).

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Bamburi Airport

The airport offers basic amenities, including a small waiting area and limited snack options. The facilities are minimal but adequate for the short-haul domestic flights and charter services that the airport caters to. Bamburi Airport is a popular choice for private and charter flights, particularly those organised by local tour operators and resorts. These charter flights often service tourists travelling to and from Nairobi and other major towns in Kenya.

While Bamburi Airport is a convenient option for those travelling to the northern coastal areas of Mombasa, Moi International Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Mombasa and its surrounding communities. Moi International Airport is located approximately 10 kilometres west of Mombasa's city centre and is one of the busiest airports in Kenya, handling both domestic and international flights. The airport has two terminals, one for domestic flights and one for international flights, and offers a range of passenger services and amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange services, ATMs, and car rental services.

In addition to Moi International Airport and Bamburi Airport, there are a few other airports in and around Mombasa, including Ukunda Airport (also known as Diani Airport) and Malindi Airport. Ukunda Airport is situated about 35 kilometres south of Mombasa and primarily handles domestic flights for tourists visiting the Diani Beach area. Malindi Airport is located about 120 kilometres northeast of Mombasa and serves as an alternative gateway to the coastal region, catering mainly to domestic flights but also accommodating some international charters.

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Malindi Airport

The airport has seen recent upgrades, with the Kenyan government investing in expanding the terminal building, constructing a new control tower, and rehabilitating the runways. These improvements were carried out between 2011 and 2012, costing approximately USD 2 million. The government aims to expand the airport further to attract direct international flights. Plans include extending Runway 17/35 to a length of 2,500 metres and enlarging the apron to accommodate more aircraft.

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Mombasa Airport's facilities

Mombasa, Kenya's second-largest city, is served by Moi International Airport (MBA/HKMO), which is located about 10 kilometres west of the city centre. The airport is operated by the Kenya Airports Authority and was named after former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi. In 2020, it was named the "Best Airport in Africa" (for airports with under 2 million passengers annually) by Airports Council International.

Moi International Airport has two runways and two terminals—one for domestic flights and one for international flights. The airport offers duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange services, ATMs, car rental services, and basic eateries. There is also a small airside food court and a cafe in the public area. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, baggage trolleys, and 24-hour food options.

For passengers with disabilities, the terminals are generally wheelchair-accessible, and there are VIP, business, and first-class lounges available. However, for special assistance, passengers are advised to contact their airline in advance. The airport also has a post office, and there are three banks in the Arrival and Departure terminals that offer foreign exchange services.

In addition to Moi International Airport, there are several other airports in and around Mombasa, including Ukunda Airport (also known as Diani Airport), Bamburi Airport (or Bamburi Airstrip), and Malindi Airport. These smaller airports primarily handle domestic flights and charter services, offering basic amenities such as waiting areas, snack bars, and car rental services.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, there is an international airport in Mombasa, Kenya. It is called Moi International Airport, also known as Mombasa Moi Airport or Mombasa Airport.

Moi International Airport has two terminals—one for domestic flights and one for international flights. The airport offers basic amenities such as duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange services, ATMs, car rental services, and a prayer room. There is also a post office, and Wi-Fi is available in the lounges.

Moi International Airport is located approximately 10 kilometres west of Mombasa's city centre. The drive time from the city to the airport is roughly 20 minutes.

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