The weather has grounded Malawi’s skies, leaving travellers at Kamuzu International Airport and Chileka International Airport facing disrupted flights.
The disruption has been blamed on poor visibility and worsening weather conditions, forcing Malawi Airlines to put safety ahead of its normal flight schedule.
Passengers planning to travel through Lilongwe or Blantyre have now been warned to expect delays as the airline monitors conditions at both airports.
In a travel advisory, the airline said the safety of passengers and crew comes first.
It has also been communicated that it is working with stakeholders at both airports, who are monitoring conditions to make sure all safety measures are observed before normal operations resume.
The airline did not say how many flights have been affected or when services will return to normal.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience and disruption this may cause to your travel plans and appreciate your patience, understanding and cooperation during this time,” the advisory reads.
Passengers who are due to travel are advised to speak to their travel agents or contact the airline directly for the latest flight updates and help.
The disruption comes as the Department of Meteorological Services has forecast unsettled weather across the country.
In a report released on 1 October, the department said Malawians should expect mostly cloudy conditions with thunderstorms, locally heavy rain and strong winds at times over most areas during the forecast period.
The department attributed the conditions to the convergence of warm easterly and cool, moist southeasterly air masses over Malawi.
It said the main hazards are thunderstorms, locally heavy rain and strong, gusty winds, with warning levels 5 (yellow) and 6 (orange) affecting the indicated areas.
The department also warned that strong Mwera winds will continue blowing over Lake Malawi and other water bodies, but are expected to weaken by Sunday 4 October 2026, and advised all lake users to exercise caution.
