Malawi's main airport, Lilongwe
Kamuzu International, is about 13 miles from Malawi's capital
city, Lilongwe, and has a single strip 11614 feet long runway. Amongst the airlines running services at the airport
are Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and South Africa Airways and the airport is home, or rather was home, to Malawi Airlines (formerly) Malawian Airlines, that ceased operating in May 2021 due to heavy debts although, post pandemic, the Government of Malawi is hoping to recapitalise and relaunch the airline. Lacking many of the facilities associated with international
airports, Lilongwe Kamuzu International doesn't even have a
tannoy system, staff just shout out when planes are ready to
board although a recently installed surveillance system has brought the airport's safety levels more in line with global standards.
The airport has a cafe and three shops that sell souvenirs such as flowers, tea towels, handbags and clothing made from bright Malawian fabric (chitenge). There is also a duty free outlet selling Malawi Gin and South African wines but also bags of local coffee beans.
The airport is generally well thought of by travellers who use it, being described as "clean and comfortable and staffed by invariably friendly people." There
are no recent figures for passengers numbers, however it's believed to be used by 300,000 yearly with plans to increase that number to 450,000 by 2025 as the terminal building is curently being upgraded as it's deteriorated considerably since it was built 30 years ago although the walls of the corridor leading to immigration have been adorned with artwork by local schoolchildren. Watch the video (below) and make a virtual landing at Lilongwe
airport.
Lilongwe Airport: Lilongwe Profile
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Lilongwe Airport: Child Sponsor Malawi
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