Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA) Guide 2026
Moi International Airport (IATA: MBA, ICAO: HKMO) is Kenya's second-busiest airport, serving the coastal city of Mombasa and the popular beach destinations of Diani, Watamu, and Malindi. Located 10 km west of Mombasa city centre, the airport handles both domestic and international flights, with direct connections to the Middle East and seasonal European charters. Mombasa is Kenya's main coastal tourism hub, known for its beautiful Indian Ocean beaches, rich Swahili culture, and proximity to marine parks.
Airport Overview
| IATA Code | MBA |
| Location | Port Reitz, Mombasa |
| Distance to City Centre | 10 km to Mombasa CBD |
| Terminals | 1 (with domestic and international sections) |
| Annual Passengers | ~2 million |
| Runways | 1 (3,350m) |
| Operator | Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) |
| Elevation | 61 metres (200 ft) |
Getting There & Away
| Transport | Destination | Cost (KES) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi | Mombasa CBD | KES 1,500-3,000 | 20-30 min | Negotiate or use app |
| Uber/Bolt | Mombasa CBD | KES 800-1,500 | 20-30 min | Available but fewer drivers |
| Airport Taxi | Diani Beach | KES 3,000-5,000 | 1-1.5 hours | Via Likoni Ferry |
| Hotel Transfer | Diani Beach | KES 2,500-4,000 | 1-1.5 hours | Most resorts offer transfers |
| Airport Taxi | Nyali / North Coast | KES 2,000-3,500 | 25-40 min | Popular hotel area |
| SGR Train | Nairobi | KES 1,000-3,000 | 4.5 hours | From Mombasa SGR Terminus |
Diani Beach: Getting to Diani requires crossing the Likoni Ferry (free for pedestrians, vehicles queue). The ferry operates 24/7 but queues can be 30-60+ minutes during peak times. Some hotels offer speedboat transfers from Mombasa to Diani, bypassing the ferry.
Terminal Facilities
- Lounges: VIP lounge available in the international section
- Food & Drink: Java House, basic restaurants and snack bars
- Shopping: Duty-free (limited), Kenyan crafts, beach accessories
- WiFi: Free WiFi available (basic speed)
- ATMs: KCB, Equity Bank, Standard Chartered
- M-Pesa: Safaricom kiosk for SIM and M-Pesa registration
- Currency Exchange: Forex bureau in arrivals
The terminal was renovated in recent years but remains more basic than JKIA. Bring sunscreen and a hat — Mombasa is hot and humid year-round.
Immigration & eTA
The same Kenya eTA process applies as at JKIA:
- Apply at etakenya.go.ke at least 72 hours before travel ($30)
- Present eTA, passport, return ticket at immigration
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic areas
Immigration at Mombasa is typically faster than JKIA due to lower volumes (10-30 minutes).
Currency Exchange & SIM Cards
Currency Exchange
- Forex Bureau: Available in arrivals — rates are reasonable
- ATMs: KCB, Equity, Standard Chartered in the terminal
- M-Pesa: Register at the airport for mobile money (essential for Kenya)
SIM Cards
| Operator | SIM Cost | 1GB Data | Coastal Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safaricom | KES 100 | KES 99 | Best (includes M-Pesa) |
| Airtel Kenya | KES 50 | KES 99 | Good in resort areas |
Airlines Operating at Mombasa
| Airline | Destinations | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | International |
| Qatar Airways | Doha | International |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi | Domestic |
| Jambojet | Nairobi | Domestic |
| Safarilink | Nairobi (Wilson), Diani, Lamu | Domestic |
| Fly540 | Nairobi, Lamu, Malindi | Domestic |
Seasonal: European charter airlines (Condor, TUI) operate direct flights from Germany, UK, and other European cities during peak tourist season (November-March).
Accommodation Near the Airport
Mombasa / Nyali (10-15 km)
- Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort — Nyali, beachfront, all-inclusive available ($120-250/night)
- Voyager Beach Resort — Nyali, family-friendly ($100-200/night)
- Mombasa Continental Hotel — City centre, budget business hotel ($40-80/night)
Diani Beach (35 km)
- Diani Reef Beach Resort — All-inclusive beachfront ($150-300/night)
- Baobab Beach Resort — Large resort, several pools ($120-250/night)
- Diani Backpackers — Budget, near beach ($15-30/night)
Tips for Travellers
Arrival Tips
- Pre-arrange hotel transfers, especially if heading to Diani Beach (Likoni Ferry queues)
- Mombasa is hot and humid year-round (27-32°C) — dress accordingly
- Get a Safaricom SIM for M-Pesa and data connectivity
- Respect local Swahili culture — dress modestly in Mombasa Old Town
Departure Tips
- If departing from Diani Beach, allow 2+ hours for the Likoni Ferry plus airport time
- Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights
- Buy Kenyan coffee and Maasai crafts at duty-free