Moi International Airport (MBA) is the main commercial airport serving Mombasa and one of Kenya’s most important aviation gateways. The airport handles domestic and international passenger flights and provides air access to Mombasa and the wider Kenyan Coast.
Travellers planning journeys within Kenya can browse the Kenya Domestic Flights Database for airports, airstrips and domestic flight routes across the country.
Last checked: August 2026
Moi International Airport at a Glance
Official Name: Moi International Airport
IATA Code: MBA
ICAO Code: HKMO
City: Mombasa
County: Mombasa County
Country: Kenya
Airport Type: Domestic and international
Operator: Kenya Airports Authority
Main Role: Mombasa and Kenya Coast passenger aviation gateway
Where Is Moi International Airport?
Moi International Airport is located in Mombasa, providing air access to Kenya’s second-largest city and the surrounding coastal region.
The airport is an important arrival point for passengers travelling to Mombasa for business, family visits, holidays and onward journeys to other parts of the Coast.
Passengers continuing beyond Mombasa should factor the ground transfer from the airport into their overall journey.
Domestic Flights From Moi International Airport
One of the airport’s most important domestic connections is the busy air corridor between Mombasa and Nairobi.
Mombasa to Nairobi Flights
Route: Mombasa (MBA) ↔ Nairobi (NBO)
Nairobi to Mombasa Flights Guide
Direct flights connect Moi International Airport with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi.
The flight itself typically takes approximately one hour, although passengers should allow additional time for check-in, security, boarding and baggage collection.
Other Domestic Flight Connections
Depending on current airline schedules, passengers may find services connecting Mombasa with other destinations within Kenya.
Potential domestic connections can include routes towards:
Kisumu
Lamu
Malindi
Nairobi
and other destinations according to airline schedules.
Some routes may operate seasonally, on selected days or as connecting rather than nonstop services.
Passengers should check current airline timetables before planning their journey.
Airlines at Moi International Airport
Several Kenyan airlines operate or may provide scheduled services through Mombasa.
Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways operates services between Mombasa and Nairobi, providing connections through JKIA to its wider domestic and international network.
Airline Code: KQ
Jambojet
Jambojet is an important domestic carrier serving Mombasa and other destinations within Kenya.
Airline Code: JM
Fly 748
Fly 748 operates selected domestic services connecting Nairobi and Kenya’s Coast.
Airline Code: 8H
Additional international and regional airlines can serve Moi International Airport depending on current schedules and seasonal demand.
Mombasa Airport Code: MBA
The IATA airport code for Moi International Airport is:
MBA
Passengers will encounter this code when searching for flights, checking tickets and reading baggage tags.
For example:
NBO → MBA — Nairobi to Mombasa
MBA → NBO — Mombasa to Nairobi
MBA should not be confused with other coastal airport codes such as:
UKA — Ukunda Airport, serving Diani
MYD — Malindi Airport
LAU — Manda Airport, serving Lamu
Moi International Airport or Ukunda Airport?
Passengers travelling to Kenya’s South Coast should pay particular attention to their destination airport.
Moi International Airport (MBA) serves Mombasa.
Ukunda Airport (UKA) provides much closer air access to Diani Beach and surrounding parts of the South Coast.
A cheaper flight into Mombasa may not necessarily provide the most convenient overall journey for a passenger whose final destination is Diani.
Travellers should compare the flight fare with the cost and time required for onward ground transport.
Moi International Airport or Malindi Airport?
Passengers heading towards Malindi and Watamu should also compare their airport options.
Malindi Airport (MYD) provides direct access to Malindi and is generally more convenient for passengers whose final destination is in the Malindi/Watamu area.
Passengers should therefore consider their final destination rather than simply searching for any flight to the Kenyan Coast.
International Flights From Mombasa
Moi International Airport also handles international passenger services.
International operations can include scheduled and seasonal services connecting Mombasa with destinations outside Kenya.
The exact airline network changes over time according to airline schedules, tourism demand and seasonal operations.
Passengers taking an international flight should verify the current airline, destination, terminal information and check-in requirements before travelling.
Connecting Through Nairobi
Passengers travelling from Mombasa to destinations that do not have a direct flight may connect through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
A typical itinerary can therefore operate as:
Mombasa (MBA) → Nairobi (NBO) → Final Destination
Passengers making connections should check whether their baggage is transferred automatically or whether it needs to be collected and checked in again.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Guide
Getting to Moi International Airport
Passengers should allow sufficient time to reach the airport before departure.
Travel time can vary depending on the starting point, traffic conditions and time of day.
Those travelling from hotels, residential areas or destinations farther along the Coast should include the road journey to the airport when deciding what time to leave.
Check-In at Moi International Airport
Check-in requirements depend on the airline and whether the passenger is travelling domestically or internationally.
Domestic passengers should arrive with enough time for:
Check-in → Baggage Drop → Security → Boarding
International passengers generally require additional time for document checks and departure procedures.
The airline’s official check-in deadline should always take precedence over general guidance.
Identification and Travel Documents
Domestic passengers should carry identification accepted by their airline.
International travellers should ensure they have the documentation required for their destination, which may include:
- Passport
- Visa or entry authorisation where applicable
- Boarding pass
- Transit documentation where required
- Other destination-specific documents
Passengers should verify these requirements before travelling to the airport.
Baggage at Moi International Airport
Baggage allowances are determined by the operating airline and ticket type.
Passengers should check:
- Cabin baggage allowance
- Checked baggage allowance
- Excess baggage fees
- Restricted items
- Oversized baggage requirements
- Special baggage conditions
The cheapest advertised fare may not include all the baggage a passenger intends to carry.
Connecting From Mombasa to the Coast
Moi International Airport can serve as a starting point for onward journeys to destinations around the Coast.
Depending on the passenger’s itinerary, onward destinations may include areas around Mombasa, Kilifi and the wider coastal region.
Passengers travelling considerable distances from the airport should compare flying directly to another coastal airport where scheduled services are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Mombasa?
The IATA code for Moi International Airport is MBA.
Is MBA the same as Moi International Airport?
Yes. MBA is the IATA airport code for Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
Are there flights from Mombasa to Nairobi?
Yes. Mombasa is connected with Nairobi by scheduled domestic flights.
How long is the Mombasa to Nairobi flight?
A direct flight generally takes approximately one hour, although the exact duration depends on the service.
Is Mombasa Airport the same as Diani Airport?
No. Moi International Airport (MBA) serves Mombasa, while Ukunda Airport (UKA) serves Diani.
Which airport should I use for Diani?
Passengers travelling specifically to Diani should compare flights to Ukunda Airport (UKA) with flights to Mombasa and the required onward road transfer.
Which airport should I use for Malindi?
Malindi has its own airport, Malindi Airport (MYD). Travellers should compare available flights and total journey costs before choosing an airport.
Related Flight and Airport Guides
Kenya Domestic Flights Database
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Guide
Nairobi to Diani / Ukunda Flights
Moi International Airport Summary
Airport: Moi International Airport
IATA Code: MBA
ICAO Code: HKMO
Location: Mombasa, Kenya
Airport Type: Domestic and international
Operator: Kenya Airports Authority
Main Role: Mombasa and Kenya Coast aviation gateway
Principal domestic connection: Nairobi
Moi International Airport is a key component of Kenya’s passenger transport network, connecting Mombasa with Nairobi and providing domestic, regional and international air access to the Kenyan Coast.
Before travelling, passengers should confirm their airline, airport code, flight number, departure time, baggage allowance and check-in requirements.
