IBC Aviation Gulfstream private jet (5Y-IBC) flying over Nairobi, with the skyline and the KICC tower at the heart of the city.

Nairobi Airport

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO / HKJK)

15 km to the south-east of the centre, in the Embakasi district, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO / HKJK) is the busiest in East Africa. Its runway, 4,117 m long and at 1,625 m of elevation, accommodates every type of aircraft, from business jets to ultra-long-range jets linking Europe non-stop; its high elevation is taken into account when calculating take-off performance.

The region's main hub, it is the natural gateway to the Kenyan capital and to East Africa as a whole.

Wilson, the airport for safaris and general aviation

Around a dozen kilometres from Jomo Kenyatta, in the Lang'ata district, Wilson Airport (WIL / HKNW) is the hub of general aviation in Kenya. Closer to the centre and quicker to access, it serves the great reserves by light aircraft or helicopter — the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Lewa — and is the ideal connecting point for a safari.

Depending on your programme, our teams coordinate an arrival at Jomo Kenyatta for long-haul flights, then a connection via Wilson to reach your lodge.

A private arrival in Nairobi

Nairobi's airports have facilities suited to private flights: personalised reception, streamlined customs and immigration, and direct access to the aircraft. Our teams coordinate ground handling and your transfer to the business district or your safari connection.

Nairobi, business capital of East Africa

A major economic and diplomatic centre, Nairobi is home to regional headquarters, international institutions — including United Nations offices — and a tech scene nicknamed the "Silicon Savannah". The city combines business meetings with immediate access to exceptional nature, right up to Nairobi National Park, at the city's edge.

The other airports of Kenya

Kenya has a network of airports that our teams serve according to your itinerary:

  • Mombasa – Moi (MBA): the Indian Ocean coast
  • Kisumu (KIS): the shores of Lake Victoria
  • Eldoret (EDL): the western highlands

Popular private jet routes to or from Nairobi

  • Nairobi – Mombasa: 1h00 flight
  • Nairobi – Kilimanjaro: 1h00
  • Nairobi – Dar es Salaam: 1h30
  • Nairobi – Cairo: 4h00
  • Nairobi – Johannesburg: 4h00
  • Nairobi – Dubai: 5h00
  • Nairobi – Paris: 8h00

Links to Europe or the Gulf call for an ultra-long-range jet for a non-stop flight. Across the continent, Cairo and Johannesburg are 4 hours' flight away.

IBC Aviation to or from Nairobi

Our teams arrange your flights to or from Nairobi, handle permits and ground handling, coordinate your safari connections, and select the aircraft from our fleet best suited to the distance and the number of passengers. Available 24/7:

Frequently asked questions

Which airport should I use to fly private to Nairobi?

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO / HKJK), 15 km to the south-east, is the main gateway and accommodates every type of aircraft, including ultra-long-range jets. For safaris and general aviation, Wilson Airport (WIL), closer to the centre, is preferred.

How much does it cost to charter a private jet to Nairobi?

The price depends on the aircraft, the number of passengers, the itinerary and the dates. A long-haul link to Europe or the Gulf calls for an ultra-long-range jet; a regional flight, a lighter aircraft. Our teams provide a personalised, all-inclusive quote within the hour.

What is the difference between Jomo Kenyatta and Wilson?

Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) handles large jets and international traffic. Wilson (WIL), closer to the centre, is dedicated to general aviation, helicopters and safari links to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli or Samburu.

Are special permits required for a private flight to Kenya?

Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for most visitors. A private flight also requires a slot booking, permits and ground-handling coordination. IBC Aviation manages all of these steps for you.

Can you reach Europe non-stop from Nairobi?

Yes, aboard an ultra-long-range jet: around 8 hours to Paris. On aircraft with shorter range, a technical stop is required.

Which other airports in Kenya do you serve?

Besides Nairobi, our teams serve Mombasa – Moi (MBA), Kisumu (KIS) and Eldoret (EDL), depending on your itinerary.

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