Skip to content Skip to footer
Close

Frequently Asked Questions

1. About AirKenya

AirKenya is a premium safari airline based in Nairobi and was the first to operate flights into the Maasai Mara in the 1970s. It specializes in both scheduled and charter flights to top safari destinations across Kenya and East Africa, including the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Samburu, Amboseli, and Meru. Through its sister companies AeroLink Uganda and Regional Air in Tanzania, it connects travellers across the region.

Yes. AirKenya Express Limited is the registered legal company name, while AirKenya is the brand name under which the airline operates and is widely recognized by most customers. Both names refer to the same airline.

No. AirKenya is a premium regional safari airline operating from its private terminal at Wilson Airport (WAP). Kenya Airways is a separate, international carrier operating from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The two airlines are unrelated.

Yes. AirKenya was the first airline to land in the Mara in the 1970s and has since expanded operations to Amboseli, Samburu, Meru National Park, Lewa Downs, Loisaba, Serengeti, Arusha, and Nanyuki.

AirKenya has been in operation since the 1970s. It expanded into Tanzania in 1997 (Regional Air) and into Uganda in 2012 (AeroLink Uganda).

Yes. AirKenya is the parent company. Regional Air in Tanzania and AeroLink Uganda are its sister companies, established in 1997 and 2012 respectively. Together they provide a seamless aviation corridor across the East African safari circuit.

Pioneer Safari Airline: For over five decades, AirKenya has been the trusted name in East African aviation – the region’s original safari airline, first to fly into the Maasai Mara, first to fly to Lamu and and is the only airline with daily scheduled flights to Meru National Park.

Uncompromising Safety: For AirKenya, safety is more than a priority; it is a culture. This is reflected in the company’s rigorous quality assurance practices across every flight, its proactive preventive maintenance program, and its commitment to providing pilots with world-class training in Canada.

World Class Reliability: With an 82% on-time performance rate, AirKenya ranks among industry leaders in operational reliability. Guests depend on the airline’s consistent performance to support flawlessly coordinated safari itineraries.

Guaranteed Connections: AirKenya is the only safari carrier in East Africa with fully owned subsidiaries in both Tanzania and Uganda, uniquely positioning the airline to deliver seamless, guaranteed cross-border connections between the region’s most iconic safari destinations.

Premium Experience: AirKenya has an exclusive Departure Lounge and Arrival Terminal for comfort and privacy, offering warm, personalized service throughout the travel experience and adapting seamlessly to the needs of every traveler.

Superior Fleet: Every AirKenya aircraft has a twin-engine configuration for enhanced safety with 70% of the fleet featuring pressurized cabins thus reducing fatigue and enhancing passenger comfort.

Sustainable Travel: AirKenya is committed to responsible and sustainable aviation through wildlife conservation, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship, creating meaningful travel experiences while safeguarding our beautiful destinations for future generations.

2. Destinations & Routes

AirKenya serves a wide range of safari destinations across East Africa. Within Kenya, destinations include:

  • Nairobi: Operates from its own private terminal with an exclusive Departure Lounge and Arrivals Terminal at Wilson Airport
  • Maasai Mara: 9 airstrips: Olseki, Olkiombo, Musiara, Keekorok, Mara North, Ngerende, Mara Serena, Kichwa Tembo, and Olare Orok
  • Amboseli National Park: Amboseli Main Airstrip
  • Serengeti National Park: 9 airstrips: Seronera, Kagotende, Manyara, Fort Ikoma, Ndutu, Lobo, Serengeti South, Sasakwa, and Grumeti
  • Meru National Park: Kinna Airstrip
  • Nanyuki: Nanyuki Civil Airport and Kamok Airstrip in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
  • Lewa Downs Conservancy:  Lewa Airstrip
  • Loisaba Conservancy: Loisaba Airstrip
  • Samburu: Kalama Airstrip and Sassab Airstrip
  • Arusha: Arusha International Airport

Uganda safari destinations are operated by AeroLink Uganda and Tanzania safari destinations by Regional Air. Destinations in Uganda and Tanzania are bookable through AirKenya’s Reservations Department resvns@airkenya.com / +254 (0)20 3916000.

No, AirKenya does not operate scheduled flights to the coast. Their daily scheduled network focuses strictly on the safari circuit and Northern Kenya regions.

However, they do fly to the coast via private charter services, which can be booked on demand for coastal destinations like Diani or Malindi. To plan your next adventure, refer to the scheduled daily flights here.

AirKenya previously operated coastal routes but refocused its operations to better serve its core niche market of safari destinations, due to growing demand on the safari circuit.

Yes. Due to the connecting flights between AirKenya and Regional Air from the Mara to the Serengeti, you can book your connecting safari between Kenya and Tanzania within a single booking and PNR (Passenger Name Record). To do so, contact AirKenya’s reservations department: resvns@airkenya.com / +254 (0)20 3916000.

Yes. Through the integrated network with sister airlines, Regional Air in Tanzania and AeroLink Uganda, you can manage your entire East African itinerary by booking through one airline.

Most safari flights take under one hour. Estimated durations by destination:

  • Maasai Mara: 45 minutes
  • Amboseli National Park: 35 minutes
  • Arusha: 55 minutes
  • Maasai Mara- Serengeti National Park: 2 hrs 45 mins (Flight from Mara to Migori – Road transfer and Immigration – Flight from Tarime to Serengeti)
  • Meru National Park: 60 minutes
  • Nanyuki: 40 minutes
  • Lewa Downs: 45 minutes
  • Loisaba, Samburu: 55 minutes

Flying to your safari destination allows you to spend less time travelling and more time enjoying your experience. While some safari destinations can take 5–7 hours by road, AirKenya flights typically reach these locations in just under 1 hour, giving you more time in the wilderness from the moment your journey begins.

Beyond the time savings, flying offers a far more comfortable and convenient travel experience. With 70% of AirKenya’s fleet featuring pressurised cabins, passengers benefit from reduced fatigue, increased comfort, and a smoother journey – arriving refreshed and ready to make the most of their safari.

3. Booking & Fares

  • Via the official AirKenya website www.airkenya.com
  • Through your preferred Tour Operator, DMC or Travel Agent
  • Through our Call Centre: +254 020 391 6000

Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for travel during peak safari seasons.

Yes. AirKenya works closely with Tour Operators, DMC’s and Travel Agents who book and manage safari itineraries for their clients.

AirKenya offers seasonal promotions and special fares. Tour Operators may access exclusive trade rates. Check the AirKenya website, social media channels, or subscribe for updates for the latest offers. If you are in the travel trade and would like to get exclusive rates, please write to Marketing@airkenya.com.

Yes, fares are quoted inclusive of taxes.

Yes. USD fares may be converted to the Kenya Shillings equivalent using the prevailing IATA rate of exchange. Exchange rates are subject to change without notice and are updated automatically on the website.

AirKenya generally maintains consistent pricing throughout the year to ensure stability for its customers and travel partners. Prices vary depending on route with periodic special promotions running during the low seasons.

Full payment of tickets is required at least 14 days before the date of travel during low season and 21 days during the high season. AirKenya reserves the right to change fares without prior notice in the event of major market changes for any tickets not fully paid for.

  • Credit / debit cards
  • Bank transfers
  • Mobile Money
  • Through Tour Operators, DMC’s and Travel Agents

In line with our commitment to modern, efficient travel, a digital confirmation or e-ticket on your mobile device is sufficient for check-in at our Wilson Airport terminal. A physical printout is not required.

As a safari airline, AirKenya’s seasons are shaped by our destinations. Peak season is largely driven by the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara, along with the festive holiday period, when demand for safari travel is at its highest as shown below:

 

Season

Months

Driven By

Peak Season

June – October

Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara

Peak Season

December – February

Festive holiday period

Off-Peak Season

March – May, November

Quieter travel months between the two peak periods

Off-peak travel generally means quieter camps and airstrips, fewer crowds at sighting spots, lush and vibrant landscapes, and great opportunities to see newborn animals and migratory birds — a good option for travellers prioritising value and a less crowded safari experience over migration-season sightings.

4. Changes, Cancellations & Refunds

  • More than 10 days before travel: No amendment fee is charged (if ticket has not been issued)
  • 10 – 5 days before travel: Amendments of date of travel will incur $ 50 per ticket
  • 4 days or less before travel: USD 100 per ticket is charged.
  • More than 10 days before travel: USD 50 per ticket cancellation charge.
  • 10 – 5 days before travel: USD 100 per ticket cancellation charge.
  • 4 days or less before travel: Ticket is fully chargeable – no refund.

No-show tickets are non-refundable and cannot be transferred. They carry a 6-month validity and can be revalidated for future travel at a fee of USD 100 per ticket, subject to availability confirmation.

In exceptional or humanitarian circumstances, a refund request may be considered on a case-by-case basis at AirKenya’s discretion. Accepted refunds are payable within 45 days from the cancellation date and are subject to:

  • 5% PSP commission where card payments were processed
  • Applicable bank charges for bank transfers

AirKenya is committed to getting guests to their destination safely and efficiently. Should a flight be cancelled or delayed by more than 30 minutes due to weather or unforeseen technical circumstances, the airline will arrange travel on the next available service and provide every possible assistance along the way.

5. Baggage & Luggage

The standard baggage allowance is 15 kg per passenger, including carry-on items such as laptops and small handbags, all packed in soft bags.

Soft bags are easier to load into the small baggage compartments on aircraft used for bush flights, ensuring safe and efficient operations. Hard-shell suitcases are not recommended.

If you do not have a soft bag, you can purchase one during check-in at USD 20 only.

Yes. Three options are available:

  • Advance Bundle: Purchase up to 5 kg for USD 30 or up to 10 kg for USD 50, at least 48 hours before departure. This is limited to 10kgs per passenger.
  • Freight Seat: Book an extra seat granting 75 kg (165 lbs) of additional weight. This is ideal for professional photographers or heavy packers.
  • Standard Excess: Purchase USD 5 per kg (for both domestic and international flights) at check-in, subject to space availability on the flight.

Note: The carriage of excess baggage is at AirKenya’s sole discretion based on aircraft type and passenger load. Pre-booking is strongly advised.

Because of the 15 kg baggage allowance limit, AirKenya offers a Freight Seat booking, allowing passengers (often professional photographers) to book an extra seat’s worth of weight (75 kg / 165 lbs) for their equipment. Freight is carried strictly on a space-availability basis. Pre-booking is strongly advised.

Yes. AirKenya provides a complimentary luggage storage facility at its exclusive Wilson Airport terminal for passengers on return flights. This allows you to fly light to the bush while keeping your luggage secure.

Yes, but it must fit within your baggage allowance. For larger or professional equipment, inform AirKenya reservations or your tour agency in advance. For very heavy photo equipment, consider the Freight Seat option.

  • Lithium Batteries: To comply with global aviation safety standards, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in hand luggage only. They are strictly prohibited in checked baggage.
  • Drones: While Airkenya allows the carriage of drone equipment (following lithium battery protocols), please note that the use of drones is strictly regulated by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and is generally prohibited within National Parks and Reserves without explicit prior permits.

Carrying undeclared dangerous goods may be treated as an offence and can result in prosecution. If you’re unsure whether an item qualifies, declare it at check-in and our team will advise.

Dangerous goods are prohibited unless properly declared. See the full list of dangerous goods here.

6. Passengers - Special Categories

  • Infants (under 2 years): Travel free of charge when seated on an accompanying adult’s lap. Please note that infants do not receive a separate baggage allowance unless a dedicated seat has been purchased for them.
  • Children (2–11 years): Pay 70% of the adult fare and enjoy the full 15 kg baggage allowance.
  • Strollers / prams: Carried free of charge and not included in the baggage weight limit.
  • Airkenya facilitates the travel of unaccompanied minors for children aged 5 to 12 years. Unaccompanied minors shall not be accepted on connecting flights.
  • Process: The “Unaccompanied Minor” form must be completed at the time of booking by the parent or guardian. The child must be escorted to the check-in desk by the parent/guardian and met at the destination airstrip by an authorized adult with valid identification.

Yes. Collapsible wheelchairs are carried free of charge and do not count toward the 15 kg baggage limit. Please notify reservations at the time of booking.

Assistive devices such as wheelchairs and crutches are carried free of charge. For bulky sporting gear (golf clubs, fishing tackle), please liaise with the reservations team or your tour/travel agent at the time of booking to confirm aircraft compatibility.

Full details are available at: https://airkenya.com/travel-info/

Airkenya operates small and medium sized aircraft with limited cabin and seat space. Passengers who cannot comfortably fit into a single seat are encouraged to purchase an additional adjacent seat. This should be done in advance of travel through the Reservations department, so that, depending on space availability, two adjacent seats are secured for your safety and comfort.

In such a case, the second seat will be sold at a child’s rate + taxes.  Please note that there are no specific weight limits for passengers, but rather the focus is on the physical fit within the seat and the ability to fasten the seatbelt.

7. Check-in, Airport & Operations

All AirKenya flights depart from Wilson Airport (WIL), where the airline has a private terminal and an exclusive departure lounge. Wilson Airport is approximately 15 minutes from Nairobi city centre. AirKenya does not operate scheduled flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

  • Arrive 90- 60 minutes before your flight
  • Check-in strictly closes 30 minutes before departure
  • At bush airstrips: Be at the airstrip 30 minutes before your advised departure time
  • One can do on-line check-in from the AirKenya website. You will receive a digital boarding pass. Once you arrive at the departure lounge, if you have bags, present them for check-in together with your passport or ID for identification.

Yes. AirKenya operates a structured schedule with departures in the early morning, mid-morning, and afternoon. Due to precise routing requirements, the airline maintains a strict commitment to on-time departures.

For a more personalized travel experience with flexibility in timing and destination, we recommend our charter services. For charter inquiries, please get in touch with our Charter Desk at charters@airkenya.com.

AirKenya operates a free-seating policy.

Specific seats cannot be guaranteed in advance. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to weight distribution and flight stability.

All special needs passengers (wheel chair cases, unaccompanied minors, passengers with infants or small children, etc.) are boarded first.

Your comfort and journey matter to us. In the rare event that a flight is significantly delayed (over 1 hour) due to weather or unexpected technical challenges, AirKenya is committed to taking care of you. We will work to re-route you on the next available service to get you to your destination as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Yes. Flights may be delayed or rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions or poor visibility at the airports and bush airstrips we operate into.

Safety is our primary driver. While we maintain a high on-time performance, flights during the long rains may be subject to brief delays or re-routing if visibility at specific bush airstrips falls below safety minimums. Our operations team monitors weather patterns in real-time to minimize disruption.

8. Fleet, Safety & Sustainability

AirKenya operates a well-maintained twin-engine fleet, with approximately 70% of its aircraft pressurized for added comfort. Our aircraft all have STOL (short take-off and landing) capability which makes them ideal for bush flying. Aircraft types include:

  • Dash 7 (49 seat capacity) – Reliable and dependable
  • Dash 8 (36 seat capacity) — Faster speeds
  • Twin Otter (18 seat capacity) — Versatile, excellent performance on safari routes

AirKenya has cultivated a reputation as a leader in safari aviation safety through international pilot training, specialized aircraft fleet, and a rigorous internal safety and quality culture specifically designed for bush flying conditions.

Yes. Beyond aviation, AirKenya is committed to creating a lasting positive impact across East Africa. Through strategic partnerships and community-focused initiatives, we support efforts that advance wildlife conservation, mitigate human-wildlife conflict, and promote sustainable development. We currently collaborate with 11 NGOs working within the national parks, game reserves, and conservancies served by our network, helping to preserve these vital ecosystems and strengthen the communities that depend on them.

9. Other Policies & Services

Yes. AirKenya offers charter services to suit unique travel needs. Contact: charters@airkenya.com.

No. The carriage of animals is not permitted on any AirKenya flights, regardless of whether they are in approved airline containers.

Firearms are accepted at AirKenya’s sole discretion and subject to Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Kenya Police regulations. For more information, please contact our reservations team +254 (0)20732434/ resvns@airkenya.com.

  • Valid ID or passport — valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania
  • Yellow Fever Certificate
  • Booking confirmation / ticket

Visa requirements:

◦       East Africa Tourist Visa: A single-entry visa valid for 90 days for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda simultaneously

◦       Kenya: All international travellers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at least 3 days before travel

◦       Tanzania: Obtain an e-visa before arrival to avoid delays at immigration

◦       Uganda: Apply online or through embassies in advance

Given the short flight duration and the nature of our bush flights, we do not offer full meal services. However, complimentary bottled water and mints are provided on all flights across the regional circuit. On international flights such as Wilson to Arusha, in addition to the bottled water and mints, AirKenya offers a sandwich and a packet of juice.

We strongly recommend that all international travelers obtain comprehensive travel insurance prior to the start of their journey to provide coverage for unexpected events that may affect their travel plans.

For added peace of mind, AirKenya also offers a 100% Refundable Ticket Option for an additional fee, available during the booking process on the website. Passengers who purchase this option may apply for a full refund if they are unable to travel, provided their reason for cancellation meets the applicable terms and conditions. Terms and eligibility criteria apply.

Cross-Border & Health Requirements

For Kenya, all travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic should present a valid yellow fever certificate. For Tanzania, yellow fever immunization is mandatory for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission including Kenya and proof of vaccination must be provided. For Uganda, all travellers must have a valid Yellow Fever Immunization card.

Yes. A Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate is mandatory for travel within East Africa, including the Mara–Serengeti connection by AirKenya. Full details on visas, passport validity, and Yellow Fever requirements for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are available here.

Safari Holiday Packages

Yes, AirKenya has partnered with leading luxury camps and lodges across its network to offer holiday packages. Book your holiday getaway on the AirKenya website: Book Safari Packages Here.