Malindi Airport

Malindi Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true "air gateway" to the tropical paradise of the Kenyan coast. From the very first minutes, this cosy and compact airport immerses guests in an atmosphere of relaxation and hospitality characteristic of the Swahili culture. There are no endless queues or the noise of giant international hubs here: everything is arranged so that you can leave the terminal as quickly as possible and enjoy the warm breeze of the Indian Ocean. Arriving here, rather than in neighbouring Mombasa, is often the choice of experienced travellers who value their time and comfort.

Airport Features and Advantages

Malindi Airport boasts a number of advantages that make it attractive for tourists planning a holiday in this region:

• Ideal location. The airport's main trump card is its proximity to the resort zone. It is located just a 10–15 minute drive from the centre of Malindi and approximately 20–30 minutes from the famous Watamu beaches. This allows you to avoid the exhausting multi-hour transfer that is inevitable when arriving in Mombasa.
• Speed of service. Thanks to the low passenger flow and compact terminal, all pre-flight and post-flight procedures are completed with lightning speed. Baggage claim takes minimum time, and security control rarely gathers queues.
• Convenient navigation. It is impossible to get lost here: the airport has a simple and intuitive layout, which is especially valuable for families with children and elderly travellers.
• Scenic views. During take-off and landing, passengers are often treated to a breathtaking panorama of turquoise ocean waters, coral reefs, and endless sandy beaches, which is an adventure in itself.

Below is the contact information for Malindi Airport (MYD), which will help you plan your trip and orient yourself upon arrival.

• Official Website: Kenya Airports Authority — www.kaa.go.ke/airports/malindi-airport. Here you can find the most up-to-date information on flights and services.
• Help Desk Phone: +254 42 2131542. It is recommended to verify the number on the official website, as it may change.
• Airport Address: Malindi Airport, B8, Malindi, Kenya.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can contact talktous@kaa.go.ke (general contact e-mail of the Kenya Airports Authority).
• Social Media: Airport news and updates are published on the official pages of the Kenya Airports Authority:
  • Facebook: KenyaAirportsAuthority
  • X (formerly Twitter): @KenyaAirports
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact your airline's representative at the airport. For items left behind in the terminal, please contact the information desk or the airport help desk phone.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To resolve issues and receive consultations, you can use the help desk phone or write to the email address.

Malindi Airport (MYD) is very conveniently located just a few kilometres from the city centre, so the trip to your hotel will take no more than 5–15 minutes. However, it is important to know that most international travellers heading to Malindi arrive at the larger Moi International Airport in Mombasa. From there, an overland journey to the resort awaits, which takes about 2-3 hours but offers picturesque views of Kenya.

If you are arriving directly at Malindi Airport, the easiest way to reach your destination is by taxi or pre-booked transfer. Many hotels offer a meet-and-greet service. Taxis are easy to find at the terminal exit, and a trip to the city centre or nearby beaches will cost approximately 500–1500 Kenyan Shillings. Always agree on the price with the driver before starting the journey. For budget travellers, local tuk-tuks (three-wheeled auto-rickshaws) or boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) are an excellent choice. Such an authentic ride will cost significantly less, about 200–500 shillings, but may be uncomfortable with large luggage.

For those arriving at Moi International Airport, the most convenient transfer option to Malindi is a taxi. The journey, covering about 120 km, will take 2-3 hours depending on traffic conditions. The cost of such a service is usually between 6000 and 9000 Kenyan Shillings per car. This is a particularly good choice for families and travellers with a large amount of luggage.

If you plan to actively explore the coast, it makes sense to rent a car. Rental services are available both at Mombasa Airport and in Malindi. You can book a car in advance and pick it up upon arrival. Malindi Airport itself has a car park where you can leave a vehicle for both short and long periods.

Malindi Airport (MYD) is a small and convenient aviation hub that is ideally suited for a calm start and end to your journey along the coast of Kenya. Its key feature is compactness and simplicity, making navigation intuitively understandable even for first-time visitors.

The airport operates one main terminal which handles all flights — both domestic (from Nairobi, Lamu) and international charters. Thanks to this, you will not have to worry about transferring between different buildings. All infrastructure is located under one roof: check-in counters, security screening, the departure lounge, and the arrivals area are all within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Upon entry, you immediately find yourself in the general area with airline check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers pass through the single security control point, which leads directly to the departure lounge. The arrivals area consists of a small hall with a luggage belt and an exit to the city, where hotel representatives and taxis will be waiting for you. Due to the small passenger flow, orienting yourself here is very easy, and getting lost is practically impossible.

Passing through all formalities, including flight check-in and screening, usually proceeds very quickly. On average, this process takes no more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure to complete all procedures without haste. Despite its modest size, the terminal offers basic amenities: a small cafe, several souvenir shops, and car rental counters.

Malindi Airport (MYD) is not just a transport hub, but an integral part of the history of this coastal town's transformation into one of the most popular resorts in Kenya. Its story began in the mid-20th century when the need for convenient access to secluded beaches and exotic nature became apparent. Initially, it was a modest airstrip created to service small private planes and charters bringing the first European tourists.

With the growth of Malindi's popularity, especially among Italian travellers in the 1960s and 1970s, the small airfield began to develop actively. It became a key element of the infrastructure supporting the tourism boom. It was through these "air gates" to the Indian Ocean coast that thousands of holidaymakers arrived, which contributed to the construction of hotels and the development of the local economy.

A key stage in the airport's history was its modernisation aimed at accommodating larger aircraft. Over various years, works were carried out to expand and strengthen the runway. One of the most ambitious projects of recent years is the extension of the runway to 2.5 kilometres. This modernisation was conceived so that the airport could receive direct international flights from Europe, which was intended to give a new impulse to the development of the entire region.

In addition to the runway, significant changes also affected the passenger terminal. A new, more modern building was constructed, increasing the level of comfort and safety for passengers. Today, Malindi Airport is a modern aviation complex that continues to play a vital role in the transport system of the Kenyan coast.

Thus, the history of Malindi Airport is a story of growth and ambition. It has travelled the path from a small dirt strip to an important regional hub capable of receiving international flights. Each reconstruction and every new flight has written a new chapter in the chronicle of this amazing place, making the paradisiacal beaches of Malindi and its surroundings even more accessible to travellers from all over the world.

Malindi Airport (MYD) is a compact regional airport that nevertheless offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its size, the terminal is designed to ensure travellers have a pleasant start or end to their trip along the coast of Kenya.

Within the airport premises, there are small cafes and refreshment areas where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy soft drinks. There are also several shops offering souvenirs, essentials, and local artisanal crafts — an excellent opportunity to buy last-minute gifts. For a more comfortable wait, there are general lounges, as well as a paid VIP lounge with a more secluded atmosphere.

Passengers can stay connected thanks to Wi-Fi access within the terminal. Special stations are provided for charging electronic devices. Basic financial services are also available at the airport: there are ATMs and currency exchange points where you can exchange major world currencies for Kenyan Shillings.

To ensure the safety and health of travellers, a first aid station operates at the airport. Families with small children can use the mother and child room. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance when moving through the terminal, as well as during boarding and disembarking from the aircraft.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, a multitude of accommodation options — from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts — are located just a few minutes' drive away in the city of Malindi. Specialised conference halls are not provided in the terminal, however, many nearby hotels offer business centre services and venue rentals for business meetings.

Malindi Airport (MYD) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest. Dining options are designed primarily for passengers needing a quick snack before departure, rather than a full lunch or dinner. If you are counting on a substantial meal, it is better to eat at one of the restaurants in the city of Malindi before travelling to the airport.

In the main departure hall, typically before the security check zone (landside), there is a small cafe or snack bar. The assortment usually includes basic snacks: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, as well as hot and cold drinks — coffee, tea, bottled water, and fizzy drinks. After passing security control (airside), the selection may be even more limited or non-existent, so it is better to purchase everything you need in the main hall.

Among local specialities, you can sometimes find simple pastries here, such as samosas (pastries with spiced filling) or mandazi (airy doughnuts). This is an excellent and inexpensive option for getting acquainted with local cuisine. Unfortunately, specialised dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or specific Halal-certified meals) are practically impossible to find here. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them.

The opening hours of the cafe depend directly on the flight schedule — they open to serve passengers of departing flights. Prices for food and drinks, as in most airports, are noticeably higher than in the city. For a quick snack, coffee with local pastries is perfect, but for a more substantial lunch, it is worth visiting one of the establishments in Malindi itself in advance.

Travelling through the airport of Malindi usually proceeds calmly, but knowing a few nuances will make your trip even more comfortable. Here are some useful tips for travellers.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Malindi Airport is small, so there are rarely huge queues here. Nevertheless, we recommend arriving 1.5–2 hours before domestic flights and 2.5–3 hours before international ones. This time is sufficient to check in luggage, pass security control, and complete customs formalities without haste. If possible, use online check-in — this will save you time at the airline counter.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. Want to enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean coast during take-off or landing? Choose a window seat. For more legroom, consider seats by the emergency exits. Be sure to pack documents, money, gadgets, a power bank, and necessary medicines in your hand luggage. Remember standard restrictions: liquids only in containers up to 100 ml, placed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects.

For Transfer Passengers. Malindi is rarely a transit point, but if you have a connecting flight, check with the airline at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically. The airport is compact, so finding the boarding gate for the next flight will not be difficult.

Customs Control. When arriving in Kenya, have your passport, visa (if required), and completed migration card ready. The customs officer may ask about the purpose of your visit and request your hotel address. If you are carrying anything subject to declaration, it is better to report it immediately to avoid misunderstandings.

Saving Time and Money. To save on transfers, book a taxi or shuttle online in advance — this is often more economical than negotiating with drivers on the spot. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher, so you can bring a light snack and an empty water bottle to fill after the security zone.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, monitor information on the departure boards and airline announcements. For long delays (usually from 2-3 hours), the air carrier is obliged to provide drinks, and for longer waits — hot meals. Do not hesitate to contact your airline representatives to clarify your rights.