Eldoret International Airport (HKEL)
Large airport · Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Airport data
| Name | Eldoret International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | HKEL |
| IATA | EDL |
| Elevation | 6,941 ft (2116 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 0°24'16" E 35°14'20" 0.40446, 35.23890 |
| Location | Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/26 | 11,480 ft (3499 m) | 147 ft | ASP | Yes |
Eldoret International Airport at a glance
Eldoret International Airport is a large airport in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, known to airline systems as EDL. The field elevation of 6,941 ft (2116 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at HKEL are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
The single runway, 08/26, offers 11,480 ft (3499 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 08 points roughly 80° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for HKEL shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Eldoret International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Kitale Airport | HKKT | 70 km (38 NM) |
| Kisumu International Airport | HKKI | 79 km (43 NM) |
| Kericho Airport | HKKR | 88 km (48 NM) |
| Nakuru Lanet Airport | HKNK | 129 km (70 NM) |
| Kisii Airport | HKKS | 134 km (72 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Eldoret International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 6,941 ft field elevation of Eldoret International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 24 airports and airfields we list for Kenya — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Eldoret International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Eldoret International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Eldoret International Airport is HKEL, and its IATA code is EDL. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Eldoret International Airport above sea level?
Eldoret International Airport sits at an elevation of 6,941 feet (2116 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Eldoret International Airport located?
The airport lies at 0.4045, 35.2389 — in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Kitale Airport, about 70 km away.
Does HKEL publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for HKEL appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Eldoret International Airport?
Eldoret International Airport has one runway. The longest, 08/26, measures 11,480 ft (3499 m) with a ASP surface.