Operational
Nairobi Wilson Airport
Nairobi, Kenya
WIL
HKNW
Runways
Runway 07/25
ASP
Lighted
Length
4,798 ft
(1462m)
Width
72 ft
(22m)
Surface
ASP
Status
Operational
Runway 14/32
ASP
Length
5,052 ft
(1540m)
Width
76 ft
(23m)
Surface
ASP
Status
Operational
Passenger Statistics
Latest (2019)
854,000
Year-over-Year
+0.9%
Peak Year
2019
Peak Passengers
854,000
| Year | Passengers | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 854,000 | +0.9% |
| 2018 | 846,000 | +60.2% |
| 2017 | 528,000 | +27.8% |
| 2016 | 413,000 | +24.8% |
| 2015 | 331,000 | +1.8% |
| 2014 | 325,000 | -0.6% |
| 2013 | 327,000 | +10.8% |
| 2012 | 295,000 | -1.7% |
| 2011 | 300,000 | +23.5% |
| 2010 | 243,000 | — |
About Nairobi Wilson Airport
Wilson Airport, located in Nairobi, Kenya, is a domestic airport that primarily serves as a hub for chartered and private flights. It is named after Florence Kerr Wilson, a pioneering British aviator who was one of the first female pilots in Kenya. The airport was established in 1929 and has since become an important asset for the city of Nairobi, connecting passengers to various destinations within the country.
Wilson Airport is operated by the Kenya Airports Authority and is situated approximately 4 miles south of Nairobi's central business district. The airport has a single asphalt runway that is 1,800 meters long, making it suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft. The airport handles over 120,000 flight movements annually, serving both commercial airlines and private operators.
One of the key features of Wilson Airport is its role as a gateway to some of Kenya's most popular tourist destinations, including the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo National Park. Many tourists use Wilson Airport as a starting point for safari adventures, with operators offering scenic flights over the country's diverse landscapes.
In addition to its tourism-related activities, Wilson Airport is also an important hub for domestic air travel within Kenya. The airport serves as a base for several domestic airlines, including SafariLink, Air Kenya, and Fly540, which operate scheduled flights to various destinations across the country. These airlines provide a vital link for passengers traveling between major cities such as Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.
Wilson Airport is equipped with modern facilities to ensure the comfort and convenience of passengers. The airport has a passenger terminal with amenities such as check-in counters, baggage handling services, and a waiting area for departing passengers. In addition, there are several aviation service providers operating at the airport, offering services such as aircraft maintenance, fueling, and ground handling.
Despite its importance in the aviation industry, Wilson Airport has faced challenges in recent years due to congestion and limited infrastructure. The airport's single runway and limited parking space have led to delays and operational inefficiencies, prompting calls for expansion and upgrades to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.
In response to these challenges, the Kenya Airports Authority has initiated plans to upgrade Wilson Airport and enhance its capacity to handle more flights and passengers. The proposed expansion includes the construction of a new terminal building, additional parking aprons, and improved taxiways to facilitate smoother aircraft movements.
In conclusion, Wilson Airport plays a crucial role in connecting passengers to destinations within Kenya and serving as a gateway to the country's renowned tourist attractions. With its rich history, modern facilities, and strategic location, the airport is a vital asset for the city of Nairobi and a key player in the country's aviation sector. As efforts continue to improve and expand Wilson Airport, it is poised to further enhance its reputation as a premier domestic airport in East Africa.
Wilson Airport is operated by the Kenya Airports Authority and is situated approximately 4 miles south of Nairobi's central business district. The airport has a single asphalt runway that is 1,800 meters long, making it suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft. The airport handles over 120,000 flight movements annually, serving both commercial airlines and private operators.
One of the key features of Wilson Airport is its role as a gateway to some of Kenya's most popular tourist destinations, including the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo National Park. Many tourists use Wilson Airport as a starting point for safari adventures, with operators offering scenic flights over the country's diverse landscapes.
In addition to its tourism-related activities, Wilson Airport is also an important hub for domestic air travel within Kenya. The airport serves as a base for several domestic airlines, including SafariLink, Air Kenya, and Fly540, which operate scheduled flights to various destinations across the country. These airlines provide a vital link for passengers traveling between major cities such as Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.
Wilson Airport is equipped with modern facilities to ensure the comfort and convenience of passengers. The airport has a passenger terminal with amenities such as check-in counters, baggage handling services, and a waiting area for departing passengers. In addition, there are several aviation service providers operating at the airport, offering services such as aircraft maintenance, fueling, and ground handling.
Despite its importance in the aviation industry, Wilson Airport has faced challenges in recent years due to congestion and limited infrastructure. The airport's single runway and limited parking space have led to delays and operational inefficiencies, prompting calls for expansion and upgrades to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.
In response to these challenges, the Kenya Airports Authority has initiated plans to upgrade Wilson Airport and enhance its capacity to handle more flights and passengers. The proposed expansion includes the construction of a new terminal building, additional parking aprons, and improved taxiways to facilitate smoother aircraft movements.
In conclusion, Wilson Airport plays a crucial role in connecting passengers to destinations within Kenya and serving as a gateway to the country's renowned tourist attractions. With its rich history, modern facilities, and strategic location, the airport is a vital asset for the city of Nairobi and a key player in the country's aviation sector. As efforts continue to improve and expand Wilson Airport, it is poised to further enhance its reputation as a premier domestic airport in East Africa.