The Kenyan government has announced an ambitious plan to expand the Malindi International Airport (MIA), signaling a renewed push to strengthen air connectivity and drive tourism growth along the country’s scenic coastline. The development was unveiled by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano during the official opening of the fourth Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Exhibition held at the Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi. Miano revealed that critical talks are ongoing between the Kilifi County and National Governments to fast-track the expansion process, ensuring that Kenya’s coastal gateways are more accessible than ever before.

Beyond the airport upgrade, Kenya is prioritizing the liberalization of its airspace to boost direct international connections and ease access for global travelers. Miano explained that licensing procedures have been streamlined, and new direct flights have already been launched between Kenya, Angola and Saudi Arabia, alongside increased flight frequencies from major airlines like Emirates and British Airways. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting sustainable visitor growth, adding that new flight route applications would continue to be encouraged to strengthen the country’s tourism infrastructure.

Established in the 1950s as a modest airstrip, Malindi Airport has grown into a vital entry point for travelers drawn to the region’s famous white sandy beaches, colorful marine biodiversity, and vibrant culture. However, previous expansion efforts most notably in 2011 and 2012 faced major setbacks due to land acquisition and compensation disputes involving local residents and squatters. These legal and logistical hurdles delayed the modernization of key facilities such as the control tower and runway, leaving the project in limbo for years.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro has now voiced strong backing for the airport’s long-awaited transformation. He emphasized that the project will be a game changer for the region, unlocking fresh tourism and business opportunities while elevating Kenya’s coastal tourism profile. The governor confirmed that discussions are progressing smoothly with national authorities and private stakeholders, aiming to enable tourists to fly directly into Malindi from international destinations without the need for internal connections through Nairobi or Mombasa.

As Kenya continues to position itself as a leading travel hub in Africa, the Malindi Airport expansion represents more than just infrastructure development—it marks a bold step toward integrating the nation’s coast into the global tourism network, fostering economic growth, and reaffirming Kenya’s place among the continent’s most desirable destinations.