International Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamuzu International Airport | Lilongwe | FWKI | LLW |
| Chileka International Airport | Blantyre | FWCL | BLZ |
Domestic Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karonga Airport | Karonga | FWKA | KGJ |
| Mzuzu Airport | Mzuzu | FWUU | ZZU |
| Likoma Airport | Likoma | FWLK | LIX |
| Salima Airport | Salima | FWSM | LMB |
| Club Makokola Airport | Mangochi | FWCM | CMK |
| Liwonde Makanga Aerodrome | Liwonde | FWMK | VUU |
| Mangochi Airport | Mangochi | FWMG | MAI |
| Monkey Bay Airport | Monkey Bay | FWMY | MYZ |
| Kasungu Airport | Kasungu | FWKG | KBQ |
| Chelinda Airport | Chelinda | FWCD | CEH |
| Chitipa Airport | Chitipa | FWCT | |
| Mchinji Airport | Mchinji | FWMC | |
| Nsanje Airport | Nsanje | FWSJ | |
| Ntchisi Airport | Ntchisi | FWCS | |
| Zomba Airport | Zomba | FWZA |
Please note that while Kamuzu International Airport and Chileka International Airport serve international flights, the other airports primarily handle domestic flights within Malawi
Malawi Airports: Modernisation and Expansion Plans Unveiled
Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, boasts several airports that serve as vital links for both domestic and international travel. These airports play a key role in connecting Malawi to the rest of the world and facilitating movement within the country.
Malawi has 11 airports, including major international hubs and smaller domestic airfields. The largest and busiest of these is Kamuzu International Airport, located near the capital city of Lilongwe. Built in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kamuzu International Airport serves as the main gateway for international flights to and from Malawi.
Another important airport in Malawi is Chileka International Airport near Blantyre, the country’s second-largest city and commercial centre. These airports, along with smaller regional ones, form a network that supports Malawi’s tourism industry, business travel, and domestic transportation needs.
Major Airports in Malawi
Malawi has several important airports that serve both domestic and international travellers. These airports connect the country to major destinations and play a vital role in Malawi’s transport infrastructure.
Kamuzu International Airport
Kamuzu International Airport, also known as Lilongwe International Airport, is Malawi’s largest and busiest airport. Located in the capital city Lilongwe, it serves as the main gateway to the country. The airport has two asphalt runways, the longest measuring 3,540 metres.
Kamuzu International handles both domestic and international flights. Major airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways operate regular services here. The airport connects Malawi to regional hubs like Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.
The airport’s facilities include a passenger terminal, cargo handling area, and customs and immigration services. It’s equipped to handle various aircraft types, from small private planes to large commercial jets.
Chileka International Airport
Chileka International Airport is the second-largest airport in Malawi. It’s located near Blantyre, the country’s commercial centre. The airport has one main runway that’s 2,325 metres long.
Chileka serves both domestic and international flights. It’s an important hub for business travellers and tourists visiting southern Malawi. The airport handles flights to regional destinations like Johannesburg and Lusaka.
Despite being smaller than Kamuzu International, Chileka offers essential amenities for travellers. These include a passenger terminal, check-in counters, and baggage handling facilities.
Mzuzu Airport
Mzuzu Airport is a domestic airport serving Mzuzu, the largest city in northern Malawi. It plays a crucial role in connecting the northern region to other parts of the country.
The airport has a single runway that’s suitable for smaller aircraft. It mainly handles domestic flights, with regular services to Lilongwe and Blantyre.
Mzuzu Airport’s facilities are basic but functional. They include a small terminal building and basic passenger amenities. The airport is important for both business and tourism in northern Malawi.
Club Makokola Airport
Club Makokola Airport is a small airport located near Lake Malawi. It primarily serves the nearby resorts and tourist facilities along the lakeshore.
The airport has a short runway suitable for light aircraft. It mainly handles charter flights and private planes. Club Makokola is crucial for Malawi’s tourism industry, providing easy access to lakeside attractions.
Facilities at Club Makokola are limited, reflecting its focus on small-scale operations. The airport doesn’t handle scheduled commercial flights.
Likoma Island Airport
Likoma Island Airport is a unique facility serving the remote Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. The airport is vital for connecting this isolated community to the mainland.
The airport has a short, unpaved runway suitable for small aircraft. It handles scheduled flights from Lilongwe, operated by small domestic carriers.
Likoma Island Airport’s facilities are basic but essential for the island’s residents and visitors. The airport plays a crucial role in supplying goods and services to this remote area.
Airlines and Destinations
Malawi’s airports serve both international and domestic travellers. The country’s main gateway offers connections to several African hubs, whilst smaller airports enable travel within Malawi.
International Carriers
Lilongwe International Airport is Malawi’s primary international gateway. It handles flights to 8 destinations in 7 countries. Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways are key carriers serving Lilongwe. These airlines connect Malawi to their respective hubs in Addis Ababa and Nairobi.
Other airlines flying to Lilongwe include South African Airways and Malawian Airlines. Popular routes link Lilongwe to Johannesburg, Harare, and Lusaka. No direct flights currently operate between Malawi and the US. Travellers from the US typically connect through major African hubs.
Domestic Flights & Destinations
Malawian Airlines operates domestic routes within the country. Blantyre is a key domestic destination, with regular flights from Lilongwe. Smaller airports like Karonga and Mzuzu also receive domestic services.
Mvuu Camp Airport caters to tourists visiting nearby wildlife reserves. It handles small aircraft and charter flights. Other domestic destinations include Club Makokola and Likoma Island, offering access to lakeside resorts.
Domestic flights in Malawi are crucial for business travellers and tourists alike. They provide quick connections between major cities and remote areas, bypassing long road journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Malawi’s airports serve as vital transportation hubs, connecting the country domestically and internationally. These airports offer various services and facilities to cater to travellers’ needs.
What is the IATA code for the main airport in Malawi?
The IATA code for the main airport in Malawi is LLW. This code represents Kamuzu International Airport, located in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi.
Which airports in Malawi are designated for international flights?
Malawi has two airports designated for international flights. Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe serves international flights through Terminal II. Chileka International Airport in Blantyre also handles international traffic.
How many airlines operate within Malawi?
At least three airlines operate scheduled passenger flights within Malawi. These airlines connect various destinations within the country and to international locations.
What facilities can be expected at Malawi’s primary airports?
Malawi’s primary airports offer modern facilities designed for passenger convenience. Kamuzu International Airport provides services to speed up departure and arrival processes. Terminals are equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
What are the transportation options available from Malawi’s major airports?
Transportation options from Malawi’s major airports include taxis, car hire services, and shuttle buses. Some hotels may offer airport transfers for their guests. It’s advisable to arrange transportation in advance, especially for late-night arrivals.
Can you provide a list of the airports located in Malawi?
Malawi has several airports, with the main ones being:
- Kamuzu International Airport (Lilongwe)
- Chileka International Airport (Blantyre)
- Mzuzu Airport
- Karonga Airport
- Club Makokola Airport
These airports serve different regions of the country, supporting both domestic and international travel needs.
