Malindi International Airport Set for Major Expansion to Boost Coastal Tourism

Malindi International Airport is set for expansion as part of a broader government effort to enhance air connectivity and unlock the full potential of Kenya’s coastal tourism sector.

The announcement was made by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano during the official opening of the Fourth Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Exhibition at Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi.

“There are ongoing discussions between various stakeholders — the Kilifi County and National governments — to complete the process of expanding the Malindi International Airport, to grow air connectivity to the coast region,” said Miano.

She added that Kenya has been working to open up its skies further, streamlining the licensing process for new airlines and adding new direct connections with Angola and Saudi Arabia, alongside increased frequencies by Emirates and British Airways.

“We have streamlined licensing policies to support visitors’ access to Kenya,” she noted. “Our focus is on making air travel more seamless for tourists and investors alike.”

Unlocking Coastal Potential

The expansion of Malindi International Airport is expected to be a game-changer for Kilifi County and the wider coastal region, improving access for international visitors and boosting local economic activity.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro underscored the importance of the upgrade, noting that direct international flights into Malindi would make the region more competitive and accessible.

“We appreciate the national government’s efforts to open up our skies,” said Governor Mung’aro. “For Kilifi, this expansion means tourists can land directly from their destinations around the world — and that’s how we truly feel the impact of an open sky policy.”

A Regional Tourism Vision

The Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, held under the theme “Leveraging Youth, Innovation and Technology for Responsive and Inclusive Tourism”, brought together stakeholders from both countries to discuss cross-border collaboration and innovation in tourism.

Cabinet Secretary Miano emphasized that Kenya and Uganda are working toward joint marketing and integrated tourism circuits to create seamless travel experiences across East Africa.

“We are not competitors but collaborators,” Miano said. “We are developing packages that allow travelers visiting East Africa to experience both Uganda and Kenya in one journey.”

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