Last updated: July 2026

Mombasa has 2 airports: Moi International Airport (MBA), which handles all scheduled international and domestic commercial flights, and Ukunda Airstrip (UKA), a small airstrip near Diani Beach used exclusively for charter and light aircraft operations. Almost all travellers to Mombasa and the Kenyan coast fly into MBA — Ukunda Airstrip is a niche facility with no scheduled commercial services.

How Many Airports Does Mombasa Have?

Mombasa has 2 airports: Moi International Airport (IATA: MBA, ICAO: HKMO), the main airport handling all commercial traffic, and Ukunda Airstrip (IATA: UKA), a small charter facility 55 km south of the city near Diani Beach. For any scheduled international or domestic flight to the Kenyan coast, Moi International Airport is the only relevant airport. Ukunda is used by light aircraft on safari circuits and by operators connecting from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.

What is the name of Mombasa’s main airport?

Mombasa’s main airport is Moi International Airport. The airport’s IATA code is MBA and its ICAO code is HKMO. It is commonly referred to as “Mombasa airport” or “Mombasa International Airport” — all three names refer to the same facility. The airport is managed by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and located in the Changamwe area on the mainland, approximately 9 km northwest of Mombasa city centre.

Is there a domestic airport in Mombasa?

Yes — Moi International Airport (MBA) handles both international and domestic routes. Kenya Airways, Fly540, and FlySax operate domestic services between MBA and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, as well as services to other Kenyan destinations. There is no separate domestic-only airport in Mombasa. Ukunda Airstrip (UKA), 55 km south near Diani Beach, handles light aircraft and safari charters but does not operate scheduled domestic services.

Mombasa’s Two Airports: What You Need to Know

The two airports near Mombasa serve entirely different traveller groups — MBA for commercial flights and UKA for charters. Understanding which facility serves which purpose removes any confusion about which airport to arrive at or connect through.

What airlines fly into Mombasa airport?

Airlines serving Moi International Airport (MBA) include Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, flydubai, Fly540, and FlySax, plus seasonal charter operators. Kenya Airways and Fly540 operate domestic routes to Nairobi. Ethiopian Airlines operates the Addis Ababa route. Turkish Airlines and flydubai provide long-haul connections via Istanbul and Dubai respectively. The route network expands seasonally — check the Kenya Airports Authority website at kaa.go.ke for the current airline listing.

What is Mombasa’s second airport used for?

Ukunda Airstrip (UKA) is used for safari charter flights, light aircraft transfers from Nairobi Wilson Airport, and private flights. It serves coastal lodges and tour operators who move guests between Nairobi and the Diani Beach area without requiring a connection at MBA. Ukunda has a short grass runway and handles aircraft up to the size of a Cessna Caravan — it cannot accommodate commercial jets or turboprops of the size used on scheduled domestic routes.

Which Airport Do You Fly Into for Mombasa, Diani Beach, or the Coast?

Almost all travellers to the Kenyan coast fly into Moi International Airport (MBA). All international flights, all budget airline routes, and all Kenya Airways domestic services use MBA. Ukunda Airstrip is relevant only if you are taking a light aircraft charter directly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport — a service used primarily by upmarket safari operators or guests staying at lodges that arrange private air transfers. For a standard holiday to Diani Beach, Watamu, or Malindi booked through any commercial airline, you land at MBA. Browse all transfer routes from Mombasa airport to plan your onward journey from MBA.

Should you fly into MBA or UKA for Diani Beach?

Fly into Mombasa airport (MBA) for Diani Beach in all standard booking scenarios. MBA has direct international flights, a wider range of fares, and a larger arrival infrastructure. From MBA, a private transfer to Diani Beach takes 90 to 120 minutes via the Likoni Ferry. UKA is only relevant if a charter operator or safari lodge books a Wilson Airport to Ukunda connection as part of a package — this is not something a standard traveller books independently.

Getting From Mombasa Airport to Your Destination

After landing at Mombasa airport (MBA), your main transport options are private transfers, official taxis, and app-based rides. For destinations along the coast — Diani Beach, Watamu, Malindi — a pre-booked private transfer is the most direct and price-certain option. For a full guide to what to expect when you land, read the Mombasa airport arrivals guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mombasa’s Airports

Is Moi International Airport the same as Mombasa airport?

Yes — Moi International Airport is the official name for what is commonly called “Mombasa airport” or “Mombasa International Airport.” All three names refer to the same facility at Changamwe, with the IATA code MBA and ICAO code HKMO. The “Moi” prefix honours Kenya’s second president and is used in official Kenya Airports Authority documentation.

Does Ukunda Airstrip count as a Mombasa airport?

Ukunda Airstrip is located 55 km south of Mombasa, near Diani Beach — it is technically a separate facility in a different county, not part of or adjacent to Moi International Airport. It is sometimes listed in connection with “Mombasa area airports” because it serves the coastal tourism region, but it has no operational connection to MBA and serves an entirely different function.

What is the IATA code for Mombasa airport?

The IATA code for Mombasa airport (Moi International Airport) is MBA. The ICAO code is HKMO. Use MBA when searching for flights, checking flight status, or referencing the airport in a transfer booking. Ukunda Airstrip has the separate IATA code UKA — entering UKA when booking a commercial flight to Mombasa will return no results.

Mombasa has two airports. One handles commercial aviation for the entire Kenyan coast. The other handles charter legs for safari guests. For any standard flight booking, MBA is the only relevant code.