LAU - Manda Airstrip
Lamu, Kenya
IATA Code: LAU · Lamu, Kenya
The airport code LAU is the IATA identifier for Manda Airstrip. You may also find it referred to as Lamu Airport (LAU).
Manda Airstrip (LAU) serves Lamu, Kenya, in the Africa fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
LAU is the IATA airport code for Manda Airstrip, located in Lamu, Kenya. The airport is situated at coordinates 2.2524°S, 40.9131°E. The current jet fuel price in the Africa region is $5.56/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (Africa)
$5.56/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- LAU
- City
- Lamu
- Country
- Kenya
- Timezone
- Africa/Nairobi
- Latitude
- -2.2524°
- Longitude
- 40.9131°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- Africa
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from LAU
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOA - Hola | 130 km | $2,024 | $4/passenger |
| MYD - Malindi | 141 km | $2,195 | $4/passenger |
| GAS - Garissa | 244 km | $3,799 | $8/passenger |
| MBA - Mombasa | 246 km | $3,830 | $8/passenger |
| KMU - Kismayu | 270 km | $4,203 | $8/passenger |
| UKA - Ukunda | 271 km | $4,219 | $8/passenger |
| ILU - Kilaguni | 325 km | $5,060 | $10/passenger |
| PMA - Pemba | 356 km | $5,542 | $11/passenger |
| TGT - Tanga | 376 km | $5,854 | $12/passenger |
| JJM - Meru National Park | 404 km | $6,289 | $13/passenger |
| ASV - Amboseli National Park | 409 km | $6,367 | $13/passenger |
| QSI - Moshi | 417 km | $6,492 | $13/passenger |
| JRO - Kilimanjaro | 446 km | $6,943 | $14/passenger |
| WJR - Wajir | 452 km | $7,037 | $14/passenger |
| NBO - Nairobi | 455 km | $7,083 | $14/passenger |
| WIL - Nairobi | 467 km | $7,270 | $15/passenger |
| ZNZ - Zanzibar | 479 km | $7,457 | $15/passenger |
| NYE - NYERI | 485 km | $7,550 | $15/passenger |
| UAS - Samburu South | 487 km | $7,582 | $15/passenger |
| ARK - Arusha | 491 km | $7,644 | $15/passenger |
| NYK - Nanyuki | 495 km | $7,706 | $15/passenger |
| DAR - Dar Es Salaam | 548 km | $8,531 | $17/passenger |
| LKY - Lake Manyara | 579 km | $9,014 | $18/passenger |
| MFA - Mafia Island | 645 km | $10,041 | $20/passenger |
| MRE - Masai Mara | 663 km | $10,322 | $21/passenger |
| KEY - Kericho | 664 km | $10,337 | $21/passenger |
| OYL - Moyale | 667 km | $10,384 | $21/passenger |
| BIB - Baidoa | 668 km | $10,399 | $21/passenger |
| SEU - Seronera | 677 km | $10,540 | $21/passenger |
| MGQ - Mogadishu | 681 km | $10,602 | $21/passenger |
| EDL - Eldoret | 697 km | $10,851 | $22/passenger |
| DOD - Dodoma | 719 km | $11,193 | $22/passenger |
| KIS - Kisumu | 728 km | $11,334 | $23/passenger |
| GGM - Kakamega | 737 km | $11,474 | $23/passenger |
| KTL - Kitale | 753 km | $11,723 | $23/passenger |
| KIY - Kilwa Masoko | 757 km | $11,785 | $24/passenger |
| MUZ - Musoma | 795 km | $12,377 | $25/passenger |
| IRI - Iringa | 830 km | $12,921 | $26/passenger |
| SHY - Shinyanga | 837 km | $13,030 | $26/passenger |
| LOK - Lodwar | 839 km | $13,062 | $26/passenger |
| LDI - Lindi | 855 km | $13,311 | $27/passenger |
| MWZ - Mwanza | 887 km | $13,809 | $28/passenger |
| MYW - Mtwara | 903 km | $14,058 | $28/passenger |
| SRT - Soroti | 923 km | $14,369 | $29/passenger |
| TBO - Tabora | 950 km | $14,790 | $30/passenger |
| GDE - Gode | 957 km | $14,899 | $30/passenger |
| GIT - Geita | 973 km | $15,148 | $30/passenger |
| EBB - Entebbe | 976 km | $15,194 | $30/passenger |
| AMH - Arba Minch | 993 km | $15,459 | $31/passenger |
| MZB - Mocimboa Da Praia | 1,015 km | $15,802 | $32/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your LAU Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the Africa region has jet fuel priced at $5.56/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from LAU
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at Lamu
Lamu has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Travelers should expect humidity and potential monsoon or rainy seasons depending on the time of year. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, and staying hydrated is essential when navigating the airport and surrounding area.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through LAU
LAU operates within the African fuel pricing region. Aviation infrastructure across Africa has seen significant investment in recent years, with many airports modernizing facilities to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Travelers should verify visa requirements, vaccination certificates (particularly yellow fever), and currency exchange options before arrival.
Planning Your Trip via LAU
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Manda Airstrip
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from LAU
- Fuel impact awareness: The Africa region currently prices jet fuel at $5.56/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to LAU are HOA, MYD, GAS — consider these for potentially lower fares