List of Airports in Malawi
As of 2024, there are 13 airports throughout the country of Malawi according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Malawi are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Malawi
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelinda Airport | CEH | Chelinda | Small |
| 2 | Chileka Airport | BLZ | Blantyre | Small |
| 3 | Club Makokola Airport | CMK | Club Makokola | Small |
| 4 | Dwangwa Airport | DWA | Dwangwa | Small |
| 5 | Karonga Airport | KGJ | Karonga | Small |
| 6 | Kasungu Airport | KBQ | Kasungu | Small |
| 7 | Likoma Airport | LIX | Likoma Island | Small |
| 8 | Lilongwe International Airport | LLW | Lilongwe | Medium |
| 9 | Mangochi Airport | MAI | Mangochi | Small |
| 10 | Monkey Bay Airport | MYZ | Monkey Bay | Small |
| 11 | Mvuu Camp Airport | VUU | Mvuu Camp | Small |
| 12 | Mzuzu Airport | ZZU | Mzuzu | Small |
| 13 | Salima Airport | LMB | Salima | Small |
Major Airports in Malawi
1. Kamuzu International Airport (LLW)
Airport Code: LLW
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
Address: Kamuzu International Airport, Lilongwe, Malawi
Nearby Cities:
- Lilongwe – 10 miles
- Dowa – 25 miles
- Kasungu – 60 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Kenya Airways
- South African Airways
- Air Malawi (domestic routes)
- Qatar Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 500,000 passengers annually (pre-pandemic)
Airport Location and History
Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) is located in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, and serves as the primary international gateway to the country. Named after the first President of Malawi, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the airport opened in 1977 to replace the smaller Lilongwe Airport. The airport has been a key hub for the country’s economic and tourism sectors, as it connects Malawi with major African, Middle Eastern, and European destinations.
Over the years, Kamuzu International has undergone several upgrades to expand its capacity, improve passenger amenities, and modernize its infrastructure. Its strategic location in the heart of Malawi makes it a crucial hub for both international and domestic flights.
Kamuzu International Airport is vital for facilitating trade, tourism, and government-related air travel. As the country’s busiest airport, it also plays a major role in connecting Malawi to other African countries and beyond. It remains an essential transport hub for the nation’s growth and development, especially for Lilongwe’s role as a diplomatic and economic center.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Kamuzu International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 12/30: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
The runway is capable of accommodating medium-sized aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, but is not long enough to handle large wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380.
The airport’s terminal is relatively small but modern, with check-in counters, baggage claim facilities, and duty-free shops. It also features lounges, restaurants, and business facilities for both domestic and international passengers. Ground transportation, including taxis, buses, and rental cars, is available for those traveling to Lilongwe or other parts of the country. The airport has been expanding to better accommodate passenger traffic and modern aviation technology.
2. Chileka International Airport (BLZ)
Airport Code: BLZ
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
Address: Chileka, Blantyre, Malawi
Nearby Cities:
- Blantyre – 8 miles
- Zomba – 28 miles
- Liwonde – 40 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Kenya Airways
- South African Airways
- Air Malawi (domestic routes)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 200,000–300,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Chileka International Airport is located in the southern part of Malawi, near Blantyre, the country’s second-largest city. The airport has served as an important gateway to southern Malawi, providing both international and domestic flights to a wide range of destinations.
Opened in 1957, the airport originally operated as a smaller regional airport before it was upgraded in the 1990s to handle international flights. Chileka is strategically located near the bustling commercial and industrial centers of Blantyre, which has helped to support both the local economy and tourism industry. Blantyre is also home to a significant expatriate community, particularly from the United Kingdom and India, making the airport a critical link for international travel.
Chileka International Airport supports both business and leisure travel, connecting southern Malawi to major hubs in East Africa, South Africa, and beyond. The airport has seen periodic improvements over the years, although it remains smaller than Kamuzu International in terms of capacity.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Chileka International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 12/30: 2,000 meters (6,561 feet)
The runway is suitable for medium-sized commercial jets like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 but does not accommodate larger wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747.
The airport terminal is equipped with basic facilities, including check-in counters, a small lounge area, and duty-free shops. Though smaller compared to Kamuzu International Airport, Chileka plays a crucial role in providing access to Blantyre and surrounding areas. Ground transportation options include taxis and buses that connect to Blantyre and other nearby towns. Chileka International is a vital part of Malawi’s transportation infrastructure for the southern region.
3. Mzuzu Airport (ZZU)
Airport Code: ZZU
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
Address: Mzuzu, Northern Region, Malawi
Nearby Cities:
- Mzuzu – 3 miles
- Karonga – 74 miles
- Chitipa – 120 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Malawi (domestic routes)
- Malawi Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10,000–15,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Mzuzu Airport is located in the northern region of Malawi, near the city of Mzuzu, which is the capital of the Northern Region. Mzuzu is an important commercial and administrative center, serving as a gateway to northern Malawi and its surrounding areas. The airport was established in the 1960s but has only been developed to its current level in recent decades.
The airport serves as a regional hub for domestic flights, primarily connecting Mzuzu with other parts of Malawi. It plays an important role in connecting the northern region to the rest of the country and facilitates both business travel and tourism to destinations such as Nyika National Park and Lake Malawi.
Despite being a smaller regional airport, Mzuzu Airport is critical for the growth and connectivity of northern Malawi. The development of Mzuzu’s transportation infrastructure has also been part of the broader effort to promote economic development in this underserved region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Mzuzu Airport has one runway:
- Runway 05/23: 1,500 meters (4,921 feet)
The runway is capable of handling smaller regional aircraft like the Dash 8, which is used for domestic flights, but it is not suitable for large wide-body aircraft. The runway’s length and infrastructure limitations make it a hub for short regional flights, primarily serving domestic traffic within Malawi.
The airport’s terminal is basic, offering limited services such as baggage handling, check-in, and a small waiting area. It does not have significant amenities but provides essential services for the small number of passengers who fly to and from the northern region of Malawi. Ground transportation options, including taxis and private vehicles, are available for travelers to reach Mzuzu and the surrounding areas.
4. Karonga Airport (KGJ)
Airport Code: KGJ
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
Address: Karonga, Northern Region, Malawi
Nearby Cities:
- Karonga – 2 miles
- Mbeya (Tanzania) – 60 miles
- Mzuzu – 75 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Malawi (domestic routes)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 5,000–10,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Karonga Airport is located in the northernmost region of Malawi, near the town of Karonga, which lies along the shores of Lake Tanganyika and is close to the Tanzanian border. Karonga serves as an important entry point to northern Malawi and provides access to tourism destinations like Lake Tanganyika and the Nyika Plateau.
The airport is smaller than others in Malawi but serves the local population and facilitates domestic flights. Karonga is a strategic town for regional trade with neighboring Tanzania, and the airport is vital for maintaining business and cultural links with the east African region.
Karonga has recently been undergoing development to improve infrastructure and accommodate the growing number of regional travelers. The airport’s primary function is to serve domestic traffic, particularly flights to and from Mzuzu and Lilongwe.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Karonga Airport has one runway:
- Runway 04/22: 1,000 meters (3,281 feet)
The runway is short and can only accommodate small aircraft such as the Cessna 208 or similar regional planes. The airport is not capable of handling larger commercial aircraft, and wide-body planes cannot land here.
Karonga Airport’s terminal is simple and provides basic services, including check-in counters, a waiting area, and limited baggage facilities. Ground transportation is available for passengers to travel to Karonga and nearby towns. Despite its size, Karonga is an essential regional airport in Malawi, facilitating local business, tourism, and trade.
5. Liwonde Airport (LIW)
Airport Code: LIW
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT)
Address: Liwonde, Southern Region, Malawi
Nearby Cities:
- Liwonde – 3 miles
- Zomba – 28 miles
- Blantyre – 40 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Malawi (domestic routes)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 5,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Liwonde Airport is located in the southern region of Malawi, near the town of Liwonde, which is known for its proximity to Liwonde National Park and its role in the tourism sector. The airport has a smaller role compared to Kamuzu and Chileka but serves an important function for domestic travelers and visitors to the park.
The airport was established to provide easier access to the southern region’s natural attractions, particularly the wildlife and safari destinations in Liwonde National Park. Despite being a small regional airport, it plays an important role in promoting tourism and providing access to local communities.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Liwonde Airport has one runway:
- Runway 06/24: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
The runway is suitable for small aircraft, such as the Cessna Caravan, used for regional flights but not capable of accommodating larger commercial aircraft. The infrastructure is basic but provides essential services for domestic travelers.
Liwonde Airport is crucial for those visiting the region’s parks and nature reserves. It helps to connect the southern part of Malawi to the rest of the country, although it does not handle significant passenger traffic.
