Malawi has quite a very small aviation industry despite having a larger population. Aviation business in Malawi is expensive to run due to high startup costs, taxation, insurance charges, fuel costs, etc. The aviation industry falls under the department of civil Aviation in the Ministry of transport. The civil aviation authority was established through an act of parliament in 2022, but to date its yet to commence operations.
Airlines
A number of international airlines offer direct services to Malawi from South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Domestic flights are available between Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu and Likoma island, etc. Charter flights are available across most tourist attractions.
International Airports
Only kamuzu international airport in Lilongwe and Likoma island aerodrome are under the management of Airports Development Limited (ADL). The rest of the airports fall under the management of the department of civil Aviation. We hope soon all the airports will be managed by ADL only. Ground handling for all airports is done by Lilongwe handling company while food and beverage services are done by Malawi catering services limited (MCSL).
Kamuzu international airport: its the largest and busiest airport in Malawi located in the capital city Lilongwe. Its the official hub of the national carrier Malawi Airlines and privately owned carrier Nyasa Express. Its located just 25km north of the city centre.
Chileka international airport: Located in the commercial city of Blantyre. From chileka airport there are direct flights to Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Likoma island international airport: its the third busiest airport in Malawi. Located on Likoma island. Mostly served by private charter flights. Nyasa Express operates scheduled daily flights from Lilongwe.
Makokola international airport: its a privately owned international airstrip whereby private planes and chartered flights can clear customs and immigration on site. The airstrip’s ICAO code is FWCM. Flying time is approximately 30 minutes from Lilongwe. Avgas & JetA1 fuel can be arranged for all in-bound & outbound flights. The airport is owned and managed by makokola retreat.
suzgo chingati 