Mzuzu and Karonga Airports Set for International Flights

By Maureen Pity Soko

The Ministry of Transport and Public Works has announced that officials from Malawi Airlines are expected to inspect Mzuzu and Karonga Airport, as the country prepares to reopen the two airports for international flights.

Deputy Minister Steve Baba Malondera reviewed the airport’s progress on Sunday and expressed his disappointment with some officials who he claimed were delaying the process.

“I’m disappointed with some workers who are behaving like foreigners,” Malondera said. “From April to this day, there’s nothing substantial to show. People are looking forward to having flights.”

Despite the delays, Malondera assured that the government is committed to its promises and is bringing in officials from Malawi Airlines to conduct a test flight.

“The safety of passengers is paramount,” he said. “The airport now has the capacity of 80,000 liters of water on the wheels, up from 1,800 liters as well as securing another flight as the current one have challenges.”

The airport will also offer fuel refilling services, having constructed a tank. This development is expected to boost the airport’s operations and make it more attractive to airlines.

For now, the government has secured a license for Mzuzu Airport from Department of Civil Aviation and still processing for Karonga Airport

The inspection by Malawi Airlines officials will be witnessed by key stakeholders, and Malondera expressed hope that the airport will soon be operational. “We’re committed to walking the talk,” he said. “It’s high time we start delivering on our promises.”

The reopening of Karonga Airport for international flights is expected to boost the local economy and improve connectivity for residents and businesses in the region.