Manda Airport (LAU)

Lamu, KE 🇰🇪 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

HKLU

IATA

LAU

Elevation

20 ft

Region

KE-300

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: HKLU

Local Code: Not available

Location: -2.252431° N, 40.912892° E

Continent: Africa

Type: Medium Airport

What Travelers Say

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Online Reviews Summary

Manda Airport (HKLU (LAU)) in Lamu, Kenya, offers a truly distinctive travel experience, largely due to its island location. Traveler sentiment is generally positive, with many viewing the unique boat transfer as an integral and enjoyable part of their journey to the historic Lamu archipelago. While the airport itself is described as small and somewhat dated, its efficiency and the overall cultural experience contribute to satisfactory reviews. The airport holds an average rating of 8.3/10 for service according to one review platform.

What Travelers Love
  • Unique Travel Experience: The most highlighted positive aspect is the necessity of a boat or dhow transfer from the airport on Manda Island to Lamu Island or the mainland, which is considered an adventurous and memorable start or end to a trip.
  • Efficient Security and Immigration: Travelers report relatively short wait times for security checkpoints (around 11 minutes) and immigration (approximately 10 minutes), with efficiency rated highly.
  • Gateway to Lamu: The airport serves as a convenient and essential access point to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lamu Island, known for its rich history and culture.
  • Recent Airstrip Upgrades: Recent upgrades to the taxiway and apron have been completed, allowing the airport to accommodate increasing air traffic and larger aircraft.
Common Complaints
  • Small and Outdated Terminal: The airport terminal is often described as small and outdated or having an "aged feel."
  • Limited Operating Hours: Manda Airport currently operates only during daylight hours, typically until 6 pm, which can limit flight options.
  • Limited Facilities and Amenities: Reviews indicate a lower satisfaction with terminal facilities, shops, and food and retail services within the airport itself.
  • Poor Parking Options: Parking at the airport receives very low ratings, likely due to the exclusive boat access to the island.

Overall, Manda Airport provides a functional and unique entry point to Lamu. While the terminal facilities may be basic, the seamless and picturesque boat transfer, combined with efficient processing, largely contributes to a positive traveler experience, making the journey to Lamu part of the adventure itself.

Last updated: 56 days ago
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Airport Routes

Route Network Map

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Top Routes (by observations)

Popular Flight Routes

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Top Airlines

Operating at Manda Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
1 27 1 Jan 24, 2026
Jambojet
JMA / JM
1 16 1 Jan 24, 2026
1 16 1 Jan 24, 2026

For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
07/25 3054 ft 46 ft GRE Active
08/26 3054 ft 46 ft GRE Active
15/33 6561 ft 105 ft ASP Active

Type Description Frequency

Ident Name Type Frequency

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

The primary mode of transport from Manda Airport is by boat taxi. Motorboats and traditional dhows are readily available at the jetty, a short walk from the terminal, to take passengers to Lamu Town, Shela, or other islands. The trip to Lamu Town is about 10-15 minutes.

Rental Cars

Car rentals are not available or practical at Manda Airport. Lamu Island is a car-free zone, with narrow alleyways navigated by foot or donkey. Transportation between islands is done exclusively by boat.

Public Transportation

A public ferry offers a more economical, shared-boat option connecting the Manda Airport jetty with Lamu Town. This service is slower and runs on a less frequent schedule compared to the private boat taxis.

AI-Generated Content: This ground transportation information was compiled using AI from publicly available sources. Prices, schedules, and availability may change; please verify with official airport or transportation provider websites before traveling.

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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.