The complete guide to Moi International Airport.
Moi International Airport (MBA), almost always called Mombasa Airport, is the main air gateway to Mombasa and Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast — and the country’s second-busiest airport after Nairobi. This guide explains exactly what the airport is, how its terminals and runways work, which airlines fly here, and how to plan flights, arrivals, departures, entry requirements and transfers to Diani Beach, the North Coast, the city and the SGR railway.
Used on tickets, baggage tags and flight searches.
The international aeronautical identifier.
The government body that runs Kenya’s airports.
Changamwe, just west of Mombasa Island.
After Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi.
Roughly a 30–60 minute drive with traffic.
Long enough for wide-body aircraft.
Mombasa, Diani, the North Coast and safaris.
What is Moi International Airport?
Moi International Airport (IATA: MBA, ICAO: HKMO) is the international airport serving Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city and the centre of its Indian Ocean coastline.
It sits in the Port Reitz area of Changamwe, just west of Mombasa Island, and is owned and operated by the Kenya Airports Authority. After Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, it is the country’s second-busiest airport, and it is the principal gateway for everyone arriving on the coast — beach holidaymakers, families, business travellers, safari guests and private-aviation passengers.
The airport handles scheduled and charter flights, with a mix of domestic services to Nairobi and other Kenyan towns, regional links across East Africa and the Middle East, and seasonal European holiday charters. It was named after Daniel arap Moi, the second President of Kenya, and was earlier known as Port Reitz Airport. In 2020 it was recognised by Airports Council International as the best airport in Africa in its size category.
Terminals at Mombasa Airport.
The airport keeps a simple, easy-to-navigate layout: two passenger terminals plus a separate terminal for private and charter aviation. Knowing which one your flight uses saves confusion on arrival and departure.
International terminal
The main international building, with immigration and customs, duty-free shopping, departure and arrival gates and baggage handling. It is used by scheduled and charter flights to Europe, the Middle East and the region. Kenya Airways also uses Terminal 1 for some domestic services.
Domestic terminal
Dedicated to domestic routes, with check-in counters, baggage services and passenger lounges. Carriers such as Jambojet and Safarilink use it for flights between Mombasa and Nairobi and other Kenyan cities.
General Aviation Terminal
A separate terminal for private jets, business aviation and charter flights, with dedicated handling and quicker clearance. It also serves medical evacuation flights and high-end tourism charters to safari and coastal airstrips.
Built to handle wide-body aircraft.
Despite its relaxed coastal feel, Mombasa is a full-scale international airport. Its main runway is long enough for large long-haul jets, including the Boeing 747, and it is equipped with an instrument landing system for safe approaches in poor visibility. The site spreads across roughly 539 hectares with multiple aprons and taxiways, a control tower, cargo facilities and aircraft-maintenance hangars.
- Main runway
- 03/21 ≈ 3,350 m (10,990 ft), with ILS
- Second runway
- 15/33 ≈ 1,260 m (4,130 ft)
- Elevation
- 61 m About 200 ft above sea level
- Largest aircraft
- Wide-body Boeing 747-class capable
- Site area
- ≈ 539 ha Aprons, taxiways, hangars, tower
- Time zone
- EAT UTC+3, all year
A short history of Mombasa Airport.
The airport’s story tracks the rise of Mombasa as East Africa’s coastal hub. It began as a wartime airfield and grew, in stages, into the international gateway it is now.
Built during the Second World War and used by Allied naval and air forces operating from the Kilindini base.
A Kenya–Japan project lengthened the runway and added a new terminal so the airport could take Boeing 747s.
The airport opened to international traffic and was later named after President Daniel arap Moi.
Further terminal works raised passenger capacity toward roughly 2.5 million a year.
Recognised by Airports Council International as the best airport in Africa in its size category.
Airlines and destinations from Mombasa Airport.
Mombasa combines a busy domestic link to Nairobi, light-aircraft hops to the coast and safari country, and a seasonal layer of regional and European flights. Carriers and routes change with the season and seldom stay fixed for long, so always confirm current schedules with the airline before you plan.
Domestic
Frequent flights to Nairobi and other Kenyan towns — the busiest part of the airport.
Coast & safari
Light-aircraft links to beach airstrips and the national parks, often from the General Aviation Terminal.
Regional & seasonal
Regional hubs plus seasonal holiday charters from Europe — these vary year to year.
What happens after you land?
Your route through the airport depends on whether you arrive on an international or domestic flight, but every traveller benefits from having documents, baggage details, accommodation information and transfer arrangements ready before landing.
International arrivals pass through immigration, collect checked baggage and clear customs. Domestic passengers move through a simpler process, but should still know where their driver or hotel representative will meet them.
Prepare your passport and arrival details
Keep your passport, travel authorisation where required, accommodation confirmation, contacts and onward plan easy to reach before joining the arrivals flow.
Complete immigration requirements
Follow immigration instructions, answer questions truthfully and allow extra time after busy international flights or during peak tourism periods.
Collect checked luggage and clear customs
Check your bags before leaving the reclaim area. Retain luggage tags and be ready to declare currency, restricted items or equipment where required.
Meet your transfer or choose ground transport
Save your driver’s name, phone number, vehicle details and meeting point before landing — especially for late-night arrivals or longer coast transfers.
Use the right guide for the exact question you have.
Different airport moments need different information. Use the pages below for focused planning rather than generic advice that may not fit your airline, arrival time, group size, route or destination.
Mombasa Airport transfers, by destination.
The right transfer depends on your arrival time, luggage, budget, group size, hotel location and whether you are travelling within Mombasa or onward to a beach resort, railway station, domestic airport or safari destination. Note that the South Coast is reached across the Likoni channel, which can add time at busy periods.
Mombasa City, Nyali & Bamburi
For city hotels, Old Town, business trips, cruise travellers and nearby beachfront stays.
City transfer guideDiani Beach & Ukunda
About 30 km south, across the Likoni channel. Plan a realistic window with children, luggage or late arrivals.
Diani transfer guideKilifi, Watamu & Malindi
Longer road journeys deserve a pre-arranged vehicle, driver contact, comfortable capacity and dependable timing.
North Coast guideMombasa SGR Terminus
The Madaraka Express to Nairobi leaves from Miritini, a few kilometres away. Build in a generous buffer.
SGR transfer guideMombasa Airport and the coast’s other airfields.
Most visitors to the Kenyan coast arrive at Moi International Airport, but two smaller coastal airfields can be more convenient for specific beach areas. Here is how they compare so you book the right one.
Moi International, Mombasa
The main coastal gateway. International and domestic flights, full terminals, car hire and transfers to the city, both coasts and the SGR. Best for most arrivals.
Ukunda (Diani) Airstrip
A small airstrip beside Diani Beach on the South Coast, unofficially called Diani Airport. Served by light aircraft — handy if you fly straight to Diani and skip the Likoni crossing.
Malindi Airport
Serves Malindi and Watamu on the North Coast, with light-aircraft links. A useful alternative when your base is well north of Mombasa.
Immigration, customs and arrival documents.
International travellers should treat immigration and customs as core airport planning, not a task for after boarding. Requirements vary by nationality, reason for travel, route, documents and current Kenyan regulations.
Kenya eTA & immigration
How electronic travel authorisation, passport validity, accommodation details and onward travel fit into your pre-departure checklist.
eTA & immigrationCustoms & declarations
Currency declarations, restricted goods, commercial goods, equipment, gifts, drones, medication and duty-free considerations.
Customs & duty-freeBaggage & security
Prepare cabin bags, checked luggage, liquids, electronics, lithium batteries and valuables before reaching airport security.
Security & baggageHow to prepare for your departure.
A good departure plan begins at your hotel, not at the terminal. Confirm transfer timing, check-in opening time, airline baggage limits, documents, terminal guidance and any immigration requirements before you set out.
International and domestic flights can differ. Follow your airline’s instructions, arrive with a realistic buffer, and don’t assume a previous airport experience will exactly match your Mombasa departure.
Confirm your flight and journey time
Check airline status, hotel departure time, road traffic, luggage needs and the correct terminal before leaving accommodation.
Check in and hand over checked bags
Have travel documents ready, understand your baggage allowance and keep luggage receipts until your final destination.
Pass through security and immigration
Prepare liquids, electronics and documents for screening. International travellers should keep passport and boarding pass accessible.
Monitor boarding information
Stay aware of gate changes, boarding calls, weather disruption, airline notifications and the final boarding time shown by your carrier.
Facilities travellers search for at Mombasa Airport.
Service availability can change by terminal, airline, operating hour and airport works. Use this section as a planning guide, then confirm time-sensitive services before travelling.
Wi-Fi & charging
Prepare an eSIM or roaming plan as backup. Keep a power bank in cabin baggage rather than relying on airport charging alone.
Cash, cards & M-PESA
Carry a card, some emergency cash and a backup. Check the best way to pay your driver, hotel, SIM provider or taxi.
Food & refreshments
Allow for changing opening hours outside peak flight periods. Carry water after security where permitted, and snacks for children.
Lost luggage help
If baggage is delayed, damaged or missing, report it to the airline or handling representative before leaving the airport.
Mobility assistance
Request wheelchair or reduced-mobility assistance through your airline before travel, not after arriving at the terminal.
Parking & pickup
Drivers should know whether they are dropping off, collecting or waiting. Use the parking guide before arrival.
Lounges & waiting
Check your airline, ticket class, membership or lounge provider directly, because eligibility and opening hours can change.
Medical & special needs
Carry essential medication in cabin baggage and contact your airline early about medical devices, equipment or dietary needs.
Find the exact information you need before you travel.
Each guide below answers a specific airport question and cuts confusion for travellers planning flights, entry, transport, baggage, accommodation or airport services.
Mombasa Airport FAQs
Concise answers to the questions people search most about Moi International Airport — then open the relevant guide for planning detail specific to your trip.
What is Moi International Airport?
It is the international airport serving Mombasa (IATA: MBA, ICAO: HKMO) — Kenya’s second-busiest airport after Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International, operated by the Kenya Airports Authority and located in the Port Reitz area just west of Mombasa Island.
Is Mombasa Airport the same as Moi International Airport?
Yes. Moi International Airport is commonly called Mombasa Airport. The IATA code is MBA and the ICAO code is HKMO. It was earlier known as Port Reitz Airport.
Who operates the airport?
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the government agency that develops and manages airports and airstrips across Kenya.
How many terminals does it have?
Two passenger terminals plus a General Aviation Terminal. Terminal 1 handles international flights, Terminal 2 handles domestic flights, and the General Aviation Terminal serves private jets, charters and medical evacuations. Some carriers, such as Kenya Airways, use Terminal 1 for both.
How far is the airport from Mombasa city?
Roughly 10 km (about 6 miles), in Port Reitz just west of Mombasa Island. By road it is usually a 30 to 60 minute drive depending on traffic and where you are heading.
What is the runway like?
The main runway, 03/21, is about 3,350 m (10,990 ft) and has an ILS instrument landing system; a shorter secondary runway, 15/33, is about 1,260 m. The long main runway allows wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747.
Why is it called Moi International Airport?
It is named after Daniel arap Moi, Kenya’s second President (1978–2002). It began as the wartime Port Reitz Airport and gained full international status in the late 1970s.
Which airlines fly to Mombasa?
Domestic carriers such as Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Fly540 link Mombasa with Nairobi; Safarilink and Mombasa Air Safari connect coastal and safari airstrips; and regional and seasonal services have included Ethiopian, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines and European charters. Routes change seasonally, so confirm current schedules.
What is the nearest airport to Diani Beach?
Ukunda Airstrip (UKA), unofficially Diani Airport, sits right by Diani and takes light aircraft. Most visitors instead land at Moi International Airport (MBA) and transfer south by road across the Likoni channel.
Does it connect to the SGR railway?
By road, yes. The Mombasa SGR Terminus is at Miritini, a few kilometres from the airport, and the Madaraka Express reaches Nairobi in around four to five hours. Allow a generous buffer between landing and the train’s reporting time.
Can I get a taxi at the airport?
Yes — taxis, shuttles, car hire and pre-booked private transfers all operate from the airport. A pre-booked transfer is often the most practical for families, late arrivals, beach resorts and longer journeys.
What should I do if my luggage does not arrive?
Report missing, delayed or damaged baggage to the airline or handling representative before leaving the airport. Keep baggage tags, boarding pass, report reference and a reliable accommodation contact for follow-up.
From the airport to your hotel, beach resort or next Kenyan destination.
Start with the airport transfer hub to compare taxis, private drivers, car hire, Mombasa city transfers, Diani Beach routes, North Coast journeys, SGR connections and practical luggage advice.