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Best Airlines Operating in Kenya: A 2025 Overview

Kenya’s aviation industry plays a crucial role in both domestic and international connectivity, serving as a gateway to East Africa and beyond.


With Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport as major hubs, numerous airlines operate in the country, ranging from full-service carriers to low-cost and safari-focused airlines.


As of March 6, 2025, here is a comprehensive list of airlines currently operating in Kenya.



Major Scheduled and Charter Airlines in Kenya

1. Kenya Airways

Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways, is the country’s largest airline, operating both domestic and international flights. Based at JKIA, it serves destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. Learn more



2. Jambojet

A low-cost subsidiary of Kenya Airways, Jambojet was founded in 2014 and operates domestic routes from JKIA to key destinations like Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Malindi, and Ukunda (Diani). Learn more


3. Fly540 (Five Forty Aviation)

Established in 2006, Fly540 is a budget airline offering scheduled domestic flights to Eldoret, Kisumu, Lamu, Lodwar, Malindi, and Mombasa. It operates from JKIA and Wilson Airport.  Learn more


4. Safarilink Aviation

A premier safari airline headquartered at Wilson Airport, Safarilink offers flights to Kenya’s major wildlife destinations, including Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Samburu, and Lamu. It also operates regional flights to northern Tanzania.  Learn more


5. Airkenya Express

Operating from Wilson Airport, Airkenya Express provides scheduled and charter flights to game reserves and coastal regions, including Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki, Meru, Lamu, Malindi, Diani, and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Learn more


6. Skyward Express

Founded in 2013, Skyward Express offers scheduled passenger and cargo services, with flights to Nairobi, Lamu, Eldoret, Lodwar, Mombasa, and Ukunda from both Wilson Airport and JKIA. Learn more


7. BlueSky Aviation

A veteran airline established in 1996 by former pilots, BlueSky Aviation operates out of Moi International Airport (Mombasa) and Wilson Airport, serving destinations like Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Lamu, Wajir, Tsavo, Homa Bay, Malindi, and Diani.  Learn more


8. Jetways Airlines

A niche airline headquartered at Wilson Airport, Jetways Airlines primarily offers chartered flights to Maasai Mara and Wajir.  Learn more


9. Renegade Air

Operating since 2012, Renegade Air is a budget airline based at Wilson Airport. It provides daily flights to Wajir and Kisumu.  Learn more


10. ALS (Aircraft Leasing Services)

With operations dating back to 1985, ALS offers scheduled and charter flights from Wilson Airport to Diani, Vipingo, Maasai Mara, Tsavo, Lamu, Malindi, and Amboseli, catering to humanitarian, safari, and VIP clients. Learn more


11. East African Air (formerly Fly-SAX)

Headquartered at JKIA and Wilson Airport, East African Air operates scheduled flights to safari and beach destinations such as Lodwar, Malindi, Lamu, Diani, Homa Bay, Lokichoggio, and Maasai Mara. Learn more


12. African Express Airways

A short-haul airline based at JKIA, African Express Airways serves domestic routes to Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu, along with regional flights to Somalia, the UAE, and Yemen.  Learn more


Notes on the Kenyan Aviation Landscape

  • This list covers airlines with a significant presence in Kenya, including those with headquarters in the country or substantial domestic operations.


  • Some airlines, such as Freedom Airline Express, have operated in the past but lack confirmation of current activity, so they are excluded unless new evidence emerges.


  • Several airlines provide both passenger and cargo services, with some specializing in charters for safari tourism.


  • The Kenyan aviation sector is dynamic, with smaller operators occasionally emerging or ceasing operations.


Staying Updated

For the most current information, particularly for smaller airlines, it is advisable to check updates from official sources like the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) or airline social media pages. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) often provide real-time airline status updates.


Kenya’s airline industry continues to evolve, catering to both local and international travelers. Whether flying to a bustling city, a serene beach, or a wildlife haven, the variety of airlines ensures accessible and reliable air travel across the country.

Have you flown with any of these airlines? Share your experience in the comments below!

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