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Kisumu International Airport

Kisumu, Kenya
Explore Kisumu city guide Navigate to this airport
3
Routes out
2
Destinations
HKKI
ICAO
3734 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Kenya's third-busiest airport, gateway to Lake Victoria.

Opened
1965
Location
Kisumu, Kenya
Kisumu International Airport (IATA: KIS, ICAO: HKKI) is located in Kisumu, the capital of Kisumu County in western Kenya, on the shores of Lake Victoria. It serves as the primary air gateway to the Lake Victoria region and western Kenya, supporting both domestic and regional international traffic. The airport underwent a significant expansion and modernization program, including a new terminal building and extended runway, with works largely completed around 2016–2018. It is operated by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). Kisumu International Airport connects western Kenya to Nairobi and select regional destinations, playing an important role in facilitating trade, tourism, and humanitarian operations in the Lake Victoria basin.
Terminals
The airport has a single modern passenger terminal built as part of a major reconstruction project completed around 2018.
Getting to & from
The airport is located approximately 4 kilometres from Kisumu city centre, accessible by taxi, matatu (shared minibus), and private hire vehicles.
Airlines here
Kenya Airways and Jambojet are among the primary carriers operating scheduled services at Kisumu International Airport.
Notable facts
  • ›Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,156 metres (3,793 feet) above sea level near the shore of Lake Victoria.
  • ›The runway was extended to 3,350 metres as part of the modernization project, enabling wider-body aircraft operations.
  • ›Operated by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the same body managing Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
  • ›The airport serves as a key logistics hub for humanitarian and aid operations in the broader East African Great Lakes region.
  • ›Kisumu is Kenya's third-largest city, making its airport an important domestic aviation node after Nairobi and Mombasa.
Official website Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (2 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Fly540
5H
Kenya Airways
KQ

Routes

KIS → EDL5H · CRJ
KIS → NBO5H · CRJ CNA
KIS → NBOKQ · 733 E90 E70
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City & Place Guide

Kenya's lakeside gem on the shores of Lake Victoria

Kisumu is Kenya's third-largest city, situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Victoria in the western highlands. It serves as the commercial and cultural hub of the Luo people and offers a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere compared to Nairobi or Mombasa.

The city blends colonial-era architecture with vibrant markets and a thriving fishing industry. Visitors are drawn by its stunning lake sunsets, nearby wildlife conservancies, and rich cultural heritage. Kisumu has undergone significant urban renewal in recent years, making it increasingly accessible and appealing to travelers.

  • •Kisumu Impala Sanctuary — small wildlife sanctuary with hippos and impalas near the lakeshore
  • •Kit Mikayi Rock — sacred Luo spiritual site featuring dramatic granite formations
  • •Hippo Point — scenic lakeside spot ideal for watching hippos and spectacular sunsets
  • •Kisumu Museum — regional museum showcasing Luo culture, history, and natural history exhibits
  • •Ndere Island National Park — boat-accessible island park home to hippos, crocodiles, and birds
  • •Dunga Beach — lively fishing village offering boat rides and fresh tilapia by the lake

Getting around: Boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are the most common and affordable way to navigate Kisumu's streets, while tuk-tuks serve shorter urban trips. Matatus (shared minibuses) connect the city center to outlying neighborhoods and nearby towns. Uber operates in Kisumu and offers a safer, metered alternative. Car hire is available for day trips to Kit Mikayi or Ndere Island.

Best time: The best time to visit Kisumu is during the dry seasons, from June to September or December to February, when roads are passable and outdoor activities are most enjoyable.

Local food: Don't miss fresh Nile perch or tilapia grilled lakeside at Dunga Beach, along with traditional Luo dishes like ugali, omena (silver cyprinid fish), and kunde (cowpea leaves).

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Kisumu International Airport
Encyclopaedia

Kisumu International Airport is an international airport in Kisumu, the third-largest city in Kenya. It is the third-busiest airport in Kenya, the busiest airport in Kenya west of Nairobi, and the country's fourth international airport.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification