The thought of hopping into a plane and escaping to another city or country in a few hours is thrilling. But hey, there are also horror stories about flights. If you are looking for airlines that guarantee comfort, seamless check-in, and boarding, we’ve got your back.
In this blog post, we will explore the best Kenya airlines focusing on their exceptional offerings and what sets them apart in the competitive aviation sector.
Best Local & International Airlines in Kenya
| Airline | Popular Destinations | Contact Information |
|
Jambojet
|
|
+254 711 024 545
+254 734 104 545
|
| Safarilink |
|
+254730888000
+254206690000
|
| Tropic Air Kenya
|
|
+254 722 207 300 |
| Mombasa Air Safari
|
|
+254 734 400 400
|
| AirKenya Express
|
|
+254 20 3916 000 |
| Skyward Airlines
|
|
+254 709 786 000 +254 740 410 700
|
| Kenya Airways
|
|
+254 020 3274 747 |
| Qatar Airways
|
|
+254 020 3893 931
|
| Ethiopia Airlines
|
|
+254 20 389 234 924
|
| Emirates Flights
|
|
+254 207 602 519
|
| Turkish Airlines |
|
+254 203 893 656 |
List of Airlines that Operate in Kenya
The Best Local Airlines in Kenya
1. Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways is Kenya’s national carrier and the most recognized airline in the country. It operates from JKIA and covers both domestic routes within Kenya and an international network spanning 44 destinations across 33 countries. On the international side, that includes 37 African destinations, London, New York, Amsterdam, Paris, Dubai, Bangkok and Mumbai. The airline operates Boeing 787 Dreamliners on long-haul routes and Boeing 737-800s on regional and domestic services.
Domestically, Kenya Airways flies Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu and Malindi. Economy fares start from KSh 8,325 for Nairobi to Mombasa and KSh 8,845 for Nairobi to Kisumu. The fares are higher than Jambojet on the same routes but the ticket includes checked baggage and a full-service cabin experience.
For international travel, current fares from Nairobi include London from KSh 69,985, Dubai from KSh 41,130, Paris from KSh 67,370, New York from KSh 116,575 and Melbourne from KSh 279,150.
Google Ranking: 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (489 reviews)
2. Jambojet
This is one of the cheapest airlines in Kenya. Apart from reliability, Jambojet has the fewest cases of mishandled baggage. Founded in 2014, it flies to over five local destinations: Ukunda, Eldoret, Lamu, Malindi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.
Fares start from around KSh 7,500 on popular routes for advance bookings. Nairobi to Mombasa costs KSh 7,500 to KSh 17,000 depending on how early you book. Nairobi to Kisumu starts from KSh 7,000 and Nairobi to Eldoret from KSh 8,800 as published on the Jambojet website. Prices climb significantly during peak travel windows, especially Fridays heading into weekends, Christmas, Easter and August school holidays.
You’ll enjoy plenty of perks while en route to your destination. Jambojet introduced free Wi-Fi on most domestic flights; the service is getting good reviews. In addition, the airline’s in-flight entertainment suite has more than 5 hours of TV, movies, and music.
Google Ranking: 4.2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (339 reviews)
3. Safarilink Aviation
Safarilink operates from Wilson Airport and is the first choice for most travelers heading to Kenya’s wildlife and coastal destinations. The airline specializes in scheduled flights to bush airstrips and safari circuits that no other scheduled carrier reaches, covering Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo West, Malindi, Mombasa, Lamu and Zanzibar among others.
In April 2026, Safarilink launched direct non-stop flights from Nairobi to Entebbe, Uganda, opening a new connection between Kenya’s safari circuit and Uganda’s gorilla trekking destinations without requiring a Nairobi stopover.
Current fares: Nairobi to Mombasa from KSh 7,500, Nairobi to Kisumu from KSh 8,600, Nairobi to Diani Beach from KSh 7,800, Nairobi to Lamu from KSh 12,800 and Nairobi to Amboseli from KSh 31,008. Fares run higher than Jambojet because the airline serves remote airstrips within wildlife conservancies that carry additional operational costs.
Google Ranking: 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (353 reviews)
4. Skyward Airlines
Skyward Airlines rebranded from Skyward Express in April 2025 and operates from both Wilson Airport and JKIA, which gives it broader reach than most Wilson-based carriers. It currently serves ten domestic destinations including Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi, Lodwar, Lamu, Migori, Eldoret, Ukunda and Vipingo Ridge. In February 2026, the airline added Vipingo Ridge as a new route, targeting beach and golf travellers on the coast north of Mombasa. The airline also operates regional flights to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Current fares: Mombasa to Lamu from KSh 7,500, Nairobi to Mombasa from KSh 8,000, Nairobi to Malindi from KSh 20,000, Nairobi to Lamu from KSh 21,500 and Nairobi to Lodwar from KSh 22,000. Confirm prices on the Skyward Airlines website before booking as fares change frequently.
Skyward Airlines provides free water, snacks and juice on board, which most other Kenyan domestic carriers do not.
Google Ranking: 4.2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (845 reviews)
5. AirKenya Express
AirKenya Express has operated from Wilson Airport since 1987, making it one of Kenya’s most experienced domestic carriers. The airline runs scheduled services across a wide network with a strong focus on safari and bush destinations, and in March 2026 added daily Wilson to Arusha flights which is a direct Tanzania connection for travelers heading to Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Some of its destinations include Samburu, Nanyuki, Nairobi, Migori, Meru, Maasai Mara, Loisaba, Lewa Downs, Lamai, Kisumu, Kilimanjaro, Entebbe, and Amboseli.
Much like Jambojet, AirKenya Express has a loyal customer following thanks to its stylish planes, friendly services, and ample legroom. You will also love the free Wi-Fi on every flight and entertainment screen on your seat, allowing access to services like streaming Amazon Prime and satellite radio and TV.
AirKenya Express is a member of the Kenya Airlines Alliance. If you are planning a multi-stop safari itinerary across Kenya and northern Tanzania, the airline has some of the most experienced routing options available, with Maasai Mara packages starting from KSh 115,392 for two nights.
Google Ranking: 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (84 reviews)
6. Mombasa Air Safari
Founded in 1985, Mombasa Air Safari is a Kenya coast-based airline with about nine aircraft. It runs from its hub at Moi International Airport in Mombasa and operates a fleet of about nine aircraft serving coastal and wildlife destinations. Main routes cover Diani, Ukunda, Lamu, Amboseli, Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Samburu and Meru.
The airline is popular with international visitors doing a combined beach and safari trip, flying between the coast and wildlife parks without long road transfers. Current fares: Maasai Mara to coast from KSh 59,150 (USD 455), Maasai Mara to Amboseli or Tsavo from KSh 59,150 (USD 455), Wilson Airport to Amboseli from KSh 49,400 (USD 380), Amboseli or Tsavo to Maasai Mara from KSh 42,900 (USD 330) and coast to Maasai Mara from KSh 42,900 (USD 330).
Mombasa Air Safari is our best airline for families because you can sit together and change your travel plans if necessary. The airline doesn’t charge to cancel or switch flights.
Google Ranking: 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3 reviews)
7. Tropic Air Kenya
Tropic Air Kenya is a charter and scheduled airline known for its safari and wildlife routes. It operates flights to Malindi, Kisumu and Mombasa within Kenya, as well as regional connections to Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The airline accepts pets in the cabin, including cats, rabbits, dogs and household birds, for a fee of KSh 6,500 (USD 50) per pet each way. Meal options on board include Kenyan dishes and international food choices. Tropic Air Kenya suits travelers who prioritize a more personalized, flexible experience over the rigid schedules of larger carriers.
Google Ranking: 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (62 reviews)
International Airlines Operating in Kenya
8. Emirates
Emirates operates daily flights between Dubai and JKIA. Dubai functions as a major connection hub for Kenyans flying to Europe, North America and Asia, making Emirates one of the most popular choices for long-haul international travel from Nairobi. The airline serves over 130 destinations globally.
Current fares from Nairobi: London from KSh 78,760, Dubai from KSh 51,465, Paris from KSh 84,125, New York from KSh 110,035 and Melbourne from KSh 129,150.
Emirates allows you to bring one or two items of hand luggage depending on your class of travel. The cancellation policy for Emirates flights depends on your destination and fare conditions.
Google Ranking: 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐ (277 reviews)
9. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways connects Nairobi to Hamad International Airport in Doha, from where passengers can connect to over 170 destinations worldwide. The airline operates from JKIA and has a strong reputation for cabin service and inflight entertainment across all travel classes.
The airline flies from Kenya to Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. Qatar Airways’ fleet features three-cabin (First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class) and two-cabin (Business Class and Economy Class).
Current fares from Nairobi: London from KSh 52,260 (USD 402), Dubai from KSh 52,390 (USD 403), Doha from KSh 50,440 (USD 388), Paris from KSh 68,250 (USD 525), New York from KSh 79,430 (USD 611) and Melbourne from KSh 155,284 (USD 1,195).
Google Ranking: 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (292 reviews)
10. Ethiopia Airlines
The airline flies non-stop to over 80 international destinations. This includes nearly 50 destinations elsewhere in Africa and points in North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. Most of its fleets feature a two-cabin configuration: Economy class and Cloud Nine, which is its Business Class. Some of its smaller aircraft are configured with only the Economy Class category.
Current fares from Nairobi: Dubai from KSh 96,741, London from KSh 71,781, Doha from KSh 86,995, Paris from KSh 77,024, New York from KSh 125,524 and Melbourne from KSh 155,284.
The airline’s frequent flyer programme offers free miles, generous baggage allowance benefits and lounge access on qualifying fares.
Google Ranking: 4.1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (120 reviews)
11. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines connects Mombasa to Istanbul, a route heavily used by European beach tourists and Kenyan travellers heading to Europe and beyond. From Istanbul, the airline connects to hundreds of destinations across six continents, giving it one of the widest route networks of any carrier operating in Kenya.
Current fares from Nairobi: London from KSh 80,515, Dubai from KSh 71,415, Doha from KSh 60,790, Paris from KSh 84,965, New York from KSh 100,390 and Melbourne from KSh 202,790.
The airline operates out of both Moi International Airport in Mombasa and JKIA in Nairobi.
Google Ranking: 3.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (168 reviews)
Top 6 FAQS About the Best Airlines In Kenya
1. What is the Best Airline in Kenya?
The best airline in Kenya depends on several factors, such as destination coverage, price, customer service, and more. However, Kenya Airways (KQ) is considered the best airline in Kenya due to its extensive network, quality of service, and fleet size. It was named Africa’s Leading Airline 2026 at the World Travel Awards in Zanzibar, beating Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways and Royal Air Maroc. For domestic travel, Jambojet is the most used airline among Kenyans due to its low fares and reliable schedules.
2. How Do I Formally Complain About An Airline?
It’s often best to email or write to the airline’s consumer office at its headquarters. Kenya Airports Authority requires airlines that fly to, from, or within Kenya to state where and how complaints can be submitted on their websites.
3. What Is the Safest Airline in Kenya?
Kenya Airways is considered the safest airline in Kenya due to its high safety standards and long-standing reputation. It’s also a member of Kenya Airlines Alliance, known for its strict safety requirements.
4. Which domestic airline in Kenya is cheapest?
Jambojet and safarilink offers the lowest domestic fares, starting from KSh 7,500 from Nairobi to Mombasa for advance bookings. Skyward Airlines starts from KSh 8,000 for the same route while Kenya Airways domestic economy fares start from KSh 8,325 for the same route.
5. Which international airline flying from Kenya is cheapest?
Based on Nairobi to Dubai fares, Kenya Airways is currently the most affordable at KSh 41,130, followed by Emirates from KSh 51,465, then Qatar Airways from KSh 52,390. Fares change daily so check current prices directly on each airline’s website before deciding.
6. Which Airports do Kenyan Airlines use?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) handles Kenya Airways, Jambojet and all international airlines. Wilson Airport in Lang’ata handles most small domestic and safari-focused carriers including Safarilink, AirKenya Express, Mombasa Air Safari and Skyward Airlines. Always confirm your departure airport when booking.
Bottom Line
Kenya has a varied aviation market. For budget domestic travel, Jambojet gives you the most routes at the lowest fares. For safari and wildlife circuits, Safarilink and AirKenya Express reach airstrips no road vehicle gets to easily. For coastal routes, Mombasa Air Safari and Skyward Airlines fill the gap. And for international connections, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines all compete actively on the most popular routes out of Nairobi and Mombasa. The right airline depends on where you are going, when you are travelling and how far ahead you book.
