Hong Kong to Nairobi
11h 16m The flight from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) covers 8,728 km (5,423 miles) and takes approximately 11h 16m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads west on an initial great-circle bearing of 264°, passing near 13.3° N, 73.7° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 15h 52m | 16h 17m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 11h 11m | 11h 37m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 9h 42m | 10h 07m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 10h 16m | 10h 41m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| HKG | NBO | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Hong Kong International Airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport |
| City | Hong Kong | Nairobi |
| Country | Hong Kong | Kenya |
| ICAO | VHHH | HKJK |
| Coordinates | 22.3118, 113.9149 | -1.3189, 36.9282 |
| Elevation | 28 ft | 5,330 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Nairobi?
A non-stop flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Nairobi (NBO) takes about 11h 16m. The great-circle distance is 8,728 km (5,423 miles, 4,713 nautical miles), flying west on an initial bearing of 264°.
How far is Hong Kong from Nairobi?
8,728 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 5,423 miles or 4,713 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between HKG and NBO?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 8,728 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
What should I expect on a 11h 16m flight?
Anything past six hours is a long-haul flight: expect at least one meal service, a significant time-zone shift, and enough sitting that circulation and hydration start to matter. Cabin altitude, dry air and disrupted sleep do more damage to a training routine than the flight itself.
Other routes from Hong Kong
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.