# Flights to Nairobi from the UK

Source: https://umrahgateway.co.uk/flights-to-nairobi/

Flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other UK airports to Nairobi (NBO), direct or with one stop.

**Quick answer:** We book flights from the UK to Nairobi (NBO) from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other UK airports. The flight takes around 8 to 9 hours direct. Prices change daily with seats and season, so send us your dates and we will reply with the best options and today's price.

## Flights from the UK to Nairobi

Direct flights run from London Heathrow to Nairobi; one-stop flights connect from other UK airports via the Gulf, Istanbul or Europe.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves Nairobi and connects on to Mombasa and across East Africa.

## Flying into Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)

Nairobi's main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International in Embakasi, around 15 to 18 km south-east of the city centre. It is the home of Kenya Airways and the main hub for East Africa, with onward flights to Mombasa (MBA), Kisumu, Malindi, Lamu and neighbouring countries. Nairobi also has Wilson Airport, closer to the city, which handles light aircraft and some domestic and safari flights.

## UK airports and typical routings

Kenya Airways has long flown direct between London Heathrow and Nairobi, and British Airways also serves the route. Schedules change, so we check for your dates. The direct flight takes around 8.5 hours overnight, and Kenya is 2 or 3 hours ahead of the UK depending on the season. From Manchester, Birmingham and other regional airports, travellers often connect via Doha, Dubai, Istanbul or Addis Ababa, which can be good value and offer generous baggage.

## When UK travellers go

British Kenyan families, including East African Asian and Somali Kenyan families, travel most in summer and December. The dry seasons, from around late June to October and January to February, are also the best times for safari. Muslim travellers often continue to the Swahili coast, where Mombasa's Old Town and the island of Lamu have centuries-old mosques and a strong Islamic heritage. The long rains, from around March to May, bring quieter flights and lower fares.

## Getting from the airport to the city

The Nairobi Expressway runs from the airport area towards the city and Westlands and can cut journey times sharply, at the cost of a toll. Without it, the drive to the city centre, Eastleigh, Kilimani or Westlands can take an hour or more at rush hour. Pre-booked transfers and app-based cars are the easiest options; agree your pickup point with your driver before you land.

## Local practical tips

- Kenya requires visitors to apply online for travel authorisation before travelling. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK entry requirements and apply well before you fly.
- Nairobi sits at around 1,700 metres, so evenings can be surprisingly cool even when days are warm; pack a light jacket.

Nairobi is also a common connecting point for flights to Somalia; see our [flights to Mogadishu](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/flights-to-mogadishu/). If you would like to combine the trip with a pilgrimage, see our [Umrah Plus](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/umrah-plus/) packages.

## Why book with us

- **We compare airlines** and routes for your dates, including direct and one-stop options
- **Clear baggage information** before you pay
- **Flexible fares** and date changes where the airline allows
- **Family and group bookings**, with seats together where possible
- **Pay in instalments** on many fares
- **Support from our UK team** by phone and WhatsApp

## Travel tips

- Mombasa and the coast are a short domestic flight from Nairobi.
- July to October and December are the busiest months.
- Fly from Nairobi to Jeddah for Umrah; ask us to plan the full trip.

## Visa and documents

British citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to visit Kenya. Rules can change, so check the latest on [GOV.UK entry requirements](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya/entry-requirements) before you travel.

## Combine with Umrah

Travelling to Kenya? See [Umrah packages](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/umrah), or ask us to add Umrah to your trip.

## How to book

Send your dates, airports and number of passengers using the form on this page, call or WhatsApp us. We reply with the best options and price in writing. See all our [flights](https://umrahgateway.co.uk/flights).

Last updated 2026-10-22.
