While many countries earn significant revenue from fully certified international airports, Malawi has none, making it difficult for major airlines to operate in the country.
The Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, disclosed that the country’s main airports, Kamuzu International Airport, Chileka International Airport, and Mzuzu Airport, are not fully certified.
Speaking to the media after inspecting Chileka International Airport in Blantyre on Monday, Mhango said the government is making efforts to upgrade the facilities to meet global aviation standards.
“We currently do not have certified airports capable of attracting major airlines such as Emirates. Our runways are too short, airport infrastructure lacks proper fencing, making it vulnerable to vandalism, and we have inadequate firefighting equipment. We are working to mobilize resources to address these challenges,” Mhango explained.
The absence of certified international airports has been identified as a key factor discouraging major international airlines from operating in Malawi.
At present, the country relies primarily on Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport in Blantyre. However, both facilities require an estimated investment of over 50 million US dollars to meet international aviation standards.
In contrast, countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Ethiopia generate significant revenue from their international airports through passenger service charges, landing fees, and non-aeronautical income streams, contributing meaningfully to their national economies.
This July, Malawi will mark 62 years of independence, yet there has been little meaningful development to reflect the time since gaining freedom from colonial rule.
