Kenya Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
- Website: https://www.kcaa.or.ke
- Contact: Aviation House, JKIA, Nairobi | Tel: +254 020 827470-75 | Mobile: +254 728 606 570 | Email: info@kcaa.or.ke | Operating hours: 0500-1300 UTC Mon-Fri
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Private flights require KCAA notification, 2-3 days for processing.
Non-scheduled flights require KCAA permit, 5 business days.
Bilateral agreements via KCAA.
Overflight Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: KCAA Air Transport Department
- Lead Time: 72 business hours (official); 24 hours possible with complete docs
- Validity: +72 hours from approved schedule
- Fees: USD 50 processing fee; navigation charges apply
Required for all foreign-registered aircraft. Apply through the AATIS online system. Provide: aircraft type, MTOW, airworthiness/registration certificates, worldwide insurance, pilot licenses, full schedule.
1. Create login on KCAA AATIS system (kcaa.or.ke/adhoc-permits) 2. Submit overflight request online at least 72 business hours before (24 hours possible) 3. Provide: aircraft type, MTOW, registration, airworthiness certificate, worldwide insurance, pilot licenses, full schedule 4. Pay USD 50 processing fee 5. KCAA operates 0500-1300 UTC Mon-Fri 6. Notification issued via AATIS system
Landing Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: KCAA
- Lead Time: 72 business hours (official); longer recommended for first-time operators
- Validity: +72 hours from approved schedule
- Fees: USD 50 processing fee; standard landing/parking fees
Required for all foreign aircraft operations. Insurance must specifically cover Kenya. AATIS online system used for ad-hoc permit applications. Safari destinations: Wilson Airport (HKNW) in Nairobi is the main GA/domestic hub; many safari airstrips require specific operator familiarity and approval. Private aircraft AOC not required.
1. Create login on KCAA AATIS system 2. Submit landing permit online at least 72 business hours before 3. Provide: aircraft registration, airworthiness certificate, insurance (must cover Kenya specifically), noise certificate, crew licenses 4. Provide: full passenger manifest, flight schedule, purpose of flight 5. For safari operations: confirm airstrip availability and requirements (Wilson HKNW is main domestic/GA hub) 6. Pay USD 50 processing fee 7. KCAA operates 0500-1300 UTC Mon-Fri 8. Permit valid +72 hours
Cabotage
No (restricted for commercial operations)
General Remarks
JKIA (HKJK) is the main international airport. Wilson (HKNW) is the domestic/GA hub for safari and domestic operations. Many safari airstrips have limited facilities. Insurance must specifically cover Kenya. AATIS online system mandatory for permit applications.