Malawi Airlines, the national carrier of Malawi, has expanded its domestic flight schedule with additional services between Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. Effective today, 03 April 2025, the airline now operates two extra weekly flights on Mondays and Thursdays, enhancing connectivity between Malawi's two largest cities.
The new flights depart Lilongwe at 11:00, arriving in Blantyre at 11:40. The return service leaves Blantyre at 12:10, landing in Lilongwe at 12:50. This expansion aims to provide greater convenience for travellers and boost domestic air travel within Malawi.
Stay tuned for more updates on Malawi Airlines and the latest travel news in the region!
Showing posts with label blantyre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blantyre. Show all posts
03 April 2025
Malawi: Malawi Airlines expands domestic services with additional flights between Lilongwe and Blantyre!
21 November 2023
South Africa: South African Airways suspends flights to Malawi!
South African Airways (SAA) has announced that it will suspend services from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg to Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre in Malawi due to the recent economic challenges in the country. According to SAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof. John Lamola, the decision to cancel the route is a carefully considered risk management intervention in response to Malawi's current economic challenges.
"This move should not be interpreted as a step back from the airline’s commitment to serving the people of Malawi and promoting trade links between South Africa and Malawi. As the new leadership of SAA – and as a small but growing airline – we cannot commit to routes that are not financially sustainable", said Prof. John Lamola.South African Airways (SAA) will continue to closely monitor the situation in Malawi and will remain open to resuming flights to Blantyre and Lilongwe as soon as the situation warrants the substance of financially efficient operations. SAA will suspend services to Malawi with effective from Thursday, 30 November 2023.
01 June 2023
South Africa: Airlink to launch flights to Malawi! [update]
update (14 September 2023): On 06 September 2023 Airlink touched down in Blantyre, wrapping up the successful inauguration of its new dual Malawi routes – the other destination being Lilongwe.
South African regional carrier Airlink is set to launch flights to Malawi. The airline is planning to operate three weekly flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and both Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre from 23 September 2023. Airlink will fly their 37-seat Embraer Regional Jets on both new routes. Malawi becomes the 16th country to be included in Airlink’s route network.
- Johannesburg 11:00 > 13:20 Lilongwe on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
- Lilongwe 14:10 > 16:35 Johannesburg on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
- Johannesburg 11:00 > 13:05 Blantyre on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
- Blantyre 14:15 > 16:35 Johannesburg on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
09 February 2023
South African Airways to resume flights to Malawi!
South African Airways (SAA) is set to resume flights to Malawi. Effective 16 March 2023, the airline will operate two weekly return flights on Thursdays and Saturdays from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg to Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. SAA started selling tickets on 06 February 2023.
- Johannesburg 09:55 > 13:55 Lilongwe (via Blantyre)
- Lilongwe 14:50 > 17:30 Johannesburg
- Johannesburg 09:55 > 12:15 Blantyre
- Blantyre 13:05 > 17:30 Johannesburg (via Lilongwe)
online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>
12 September 2019
Malawi: Ulendo Airlink to launch flights between Lilongwe <> Blantyre! [update]
update (01 October 2019): Ulendo Airlink launched the new service between
Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre today!
Ulendo Airlink, a local charter airline based in Malawi, is set to introduce scheduled flights between Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. Effective 23 September 2019, the airline will initially operate 14 return frequencies per week on board a 15-Seater Dornier 228. The schedule of the new domestic service will be slightly adjusted as soon as the runway reconstruction at Chileka International Airport (CLZ) in Blantyre is completed.
Ulendo Airlink also plans to launch a four-weekly return service from Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe to the Southern Lakeshore (Lake Malawi) and Liwonde National Park in April 2020.
Back in July 2019, the airline introduced a new triangle service between Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe, Mzuzu Airport (ZZU) in Mzuzu in the Northern Region of Malawi and Likoma Airport (LIX) on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi.
Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre today!
Ulendo Airlink, a local charter airline based in Malawi, is set to introduce scheduled flights between Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. Effective 23 September 2019, the airline will initially operate 14 return frequencies per week on board a 15-Seater Dornier 228. The schedule of the new domestic service will be slightly adjusted as soon as the runway reconstruction at Chileka International Airport (CLZ) in Blantyre is completed.
Ulendo Airlink also plans to launch a four-weekly return service from Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe to the Southern Lakeshore (Lake Malawi) and Liwonde National Park in April 2020.
Back in July 2019, the airline introduced a new triangle service between Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe, Mzuzu Airport (ZZU) in Mzuzu in the Northern Region of Malawi and Likoma Airport (LIX) on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi.
26 August 2019
Malawi: The main runway at Chileka International Airport (Blantyre) will remain closed until late October 2019! [update]
update (02 January 2020): The main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre has been re-opened on 01 January 2020.
update (16 December 2019): According to Malawi's Minister of Transport and Public Works, Ralph Jooma, Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre will be fully open in January 2020!
update (29 November 2019): The flag carrier airline of Malawi, Malawi Airlines, has introduced a new flight time table effective from 01 until 31 December 2019 due to the extension of maintenance and rehabilitation works being carried out at the main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. We'll keep you posted!
update (27 November 2019): According to Malawi Tourism, the main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre will reopen in January 2020!
update (14 November 2019): According to the Nyasa Times, major airlines are expected to return to Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre after 30 November 2019.
update (12 November 2019): According to Malawian radio station Capital FM, the main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre is set to reopen in the first week of December 2019. We'll keep you posted!
update (31 October 2019): The flag carrier airline of Malawi, Malawi Airlines, has introduced a new flight time table effective from 01 until 30 November 2019 due to the extension of maintenance and rehabilitation works being carried out at the main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. We'll keep you posted!
The main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, will remain closed for an extended period until 31 October 2019 for maintenance and rehabilitation. The runway was originally closed on 24 April 2019 and was intended to re-open at the end of July 2019.South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has therefore made alternative travel arrangements to ensure continued operations to and from Blantyre and to mitigate further impact of the runway closure on its customers and passengers. Customers of South African Airways will travel between Johannesburg and Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe on board an aircraft operated by South African Airways, and then between Lilongwe and Blantyre on an Ethiopian Airlines flight, from 31 August 2019 to 31 October 2019. Ethiopian Airlines is South African Airways' partner airline in that market and there is an interline agreement to seamlessly facilitate customer transfers between the two airlines.
update (16 December 2019): According to Malawi's Minister of Transport and Public Works, Ralph Jooma, Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre will be fully open in January 2020!
update (29 November 2019): The flag carrier airline of Malawi, Malawi Airlines, has introduced a new flight time table effective from 01 until 31 December 2019 due to the extension of maintenance and rehabilitation works being carried out at the main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. We'll keep you posted!
update (27 November 2019): According to Malawi Tourism, the main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre will reopen in January 2020!
update (14 November 2019): According to the Nyasa Times, major airlines are expected to return to Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre after 30 November 2019.
update (12 November 2019): According to Malawian radio station Capital FM, the main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre is set to reopen in the first week of December 2019. We'll keep you posted!
update (31 October 2019): The flag carrier airline of Malawi, Malawi Airlines, has introduced a new flight time table effective from 01 until 30 November 2019 due to the extension of maintenance and rehabilitation works being carried out at the main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. We'll keep you posted!
The main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, will remain closed for an extended period until 31 October 2019 for maintenance and rehabilitation. The runway was originally closed on 24 April 2019 and was intended to re-open at the end of July 2019.South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has therefore made alternative travel arrangements to ensure continued operations to and from Blantyre and to mitigate further impact of the runway closure on its customers and passengers. Customers of South African Airways will travel between Johannesburg and Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe on board an aircraft operated by South African Airways, and then between Lilongwe and Blantyre on an Ethiopian Airlines flight, from 31 August 2019 to 31 October 2019. Ethiopian Airlines is South African Airways' partner airline in that market and there is an interline agreement to seamlessly facilitate customer transfers between the two airlines.
12 August 2019
Ethiopian Airlines to launch flights to Beira in Mozambique! [update]
update (26 August 2019): From 03 September 2091, Ethiopian Airlines will initially operate flights to Beira via Ndola in Zambia. From 02 November 2019, the airline will switch the routing to Addis Ababa - Blantyre - Beira - Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia's flag carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, is set to launch a new service to the city of Beira in central Mozambique via Blantyre in Malawi. Effective 03 September 2019 the airline will operate three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to Mozambique's fourth largest city. The commencement of this direct international flight to/from Beira and Addis Ababa will enable international passengers from Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia to enjoy seamless connections to/from Pemba, Nampula, Nacala and Tete with Ethiopian Mozambiqe Airline's domestic service. Based in Maputo, Ethiopian Mozambique Airlines serves 8 domestic points in Mozambique including the capital Maputo, Nampula, Tete, Pemba, Beira, Nacala, Quelimane, Vilankulos and Chimoio.
Ethiopia's flag carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, is set to launch a new service to the city of Beira in central Mozambique via Blantyre in Malawi. Effective 03 September 2019 the airline will operate three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to Mozambique's fourth largest city. The commencement of this direct international flight to/from Beira and Addis Ababa will enable international passengers from Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia to enjoy seamless connections to/from Pemba, Nampula, Nacala and Tete with Ethiopian Mozambiqe Airline's domestic service. Based in Maputo, Ethiopian Mozambique Airlines serves 8 domestic points in Mozambique including the capital Maputo, Nampula, Tete, Pemba, Beira, Nacala, Quelimane, Vilankulos and Chimoio.
- Addis Ababa 06:50 > 11:10 Blantyre 11:55 > 12:55 Beira
- Beira 13:40 > 18:30 Addis Ababa
26 April 2019
South African Airways temporarily offers alternative travel arrangements to Blantyre in Malawi!
South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), is offering customers alternative travel arrangements to Malawi following the temporary closure of the main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre for maintenance and rehabilitation (24 April 2019 to 23 July 2019). The airline operates three weekly services between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Blantyre (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays). The aircraft size, which South African Airways operates to Chileka International Airport (BLZ), does not fit in the required categories/classes of the secondary runway, which will remain operational. For the duration of the runway rehabilitation project, the airline will facilitate travel via Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe for onward connection to Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. This is intended to avoid any service disruptions and is part of contingency plans to re-accommodate customers via Lilongwe. Customers of South African Airways will travel between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe on South African Airways' operated aircraft and further to/from Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre with Ethiopian Airlines. Affected customers are advised to contact South African Airways for further information.
24 April 2019
South African Airways advises customers of operational changes to Blantyre (Malawi)
Due to the closure of the main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, for maintenance, South African Airways' (SAA) operations to Blantyre have been cancelled on 24 April 2019 and 27 April 2019. The aircraft size which the airline operates to Blantyre does not fit in the required categories/classes of the secondary runway, which remains operational during the mainenance of the main runway. However, contingency plans have been put in place for smaller aircraft operated by SA Express* (Q400 turbo prop aircraft) to operate this route, with the exception of the Wednesday and Saturday flights.
South African Airways usually operates a three weekly service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Affected customers are advised to contact South African Airways for further information.
* State-owned airline SA Express is operationally independent of South African Airways, but its flights are incorporated within the strategic alliance with South African Airways.
South African Airways usually operates a three weekly service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Affected customers are advised to contact South African Airways for further information.
* State-owned airline SA Express is operationally independent of South African Airways, but its flights are incorporated within the strategic alliance with South African Airways.
15 April 2019
Malawi: The main runway at Chileka International Airport (Blantyre) to close for three month!
The main runway at Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, will be closed for two month from 24 April 2019 until 24 July 2019 due to rehabilitation works. The airport's second runway ("auxiliary runway"), which can only be used by small aircrafts, will remain open during the two month. The closure of the main runway affects big aircrafts operated by Malawian Airlines, Kenya Airways as well as South African Airways. They will be temporarily diverted to Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe. Blantyre's Chileka International Airport (BLZ) is located about 340 km along the M1 from the airport in Lilongwe.
28 January 2019
South African Airways to resume flights between Johannesburg <> Blantyre! [update]
update (04 February 2019): South African Airways (SAA) has resumed flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in in Johannesburg and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi. The resumption of operations follows the conclusion of audit and inspection processes at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre relating to the condition of that airport.
South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), plans to resume flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in in Johannesburg and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, on 02 February 2019. On 18 January, SAA took a decision to cancel flights between the two cities after the audit process which confirmed that the airport was not fully compliant with minimum standards required for South African Airways to operate in line with its licensing conditions.
SAA will confirm the date for the reinstatement of the service as soon as the South African Aviation Authority (SACAA) has granted permission to resume flights. We'll keep you posted!
South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), plans to resume flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in in Johannesburg and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, on 02 February 2019. On 18 January, SAA took a decision to cancel flights between the two cities after the audit process which confirmed that the airport was not fully compliant with minimum standards required for South African Airways to operate in line with its licensing conditions.
SAA will confirm the date for the reinstatement of the service as soon as the South African Aviation Authority (SACAA) has granted permission to resume flights. We'll keep you posted!
22 January 2019
South African Airways extends flights cancellations between Johannesburg <> Blantyre! [update]
update (24 January 2019): According to South African Airways (@flysaa_care), flights between Johannesburg and Blantyre "are still suspended till further notice" [src.].
South African Airways (SAA) just announced that it has extended its flight cancellations to include operations on Wednesday (23 January 2019) between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi. According to a travel advisory by the airline, the extended cancellation is due to the implementation of the corrective action plan following audit findings at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre relating to the condition of the airport. Last week, South African Airways announced a flight cancellation for Saturday and Sunday respectively (19 and 20 January 2019). We advise affected travellers to contact South African Airways for further information!
South African Airways (SAA) just announced that it has extended its flight cancellations to include operations on Wednesday (23 January 2019) between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi. According to a travel advisory by the airline, the extended cancellation is due to the implementation of the corrective action plan following audit findings at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre relating to the condition of the airport. Last week, South African Airways announced a flight cancellation for Saturday and Sunday respectively (19 and 20 January 2019). We advise affected travellers to contact South African Airways for further information!
13 August 2018
Malawi: Malawian Airlines increased flights to various destinations in July 2018!
The flag carrier of Malawi, Malawian Airlines, increased frequencies on various routes in July 2018. The airline now offers seven instead of four weekly flights between Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, four instead of three weekly flights between Blantyre and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi as well as three instead of two weekly flights from Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe via Robert G. Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka. The return flight from Lusaka via Harare to Lilongwe remains a three-weekly service.
14 June 2016
Malawi to build a new airport in Blantyre!
Malawi plans to build a brand new international airport in Blantyre, which will replace the existing Chileka International Airport (BLZ). The country's president Peter Mutharika also announced that the country has further plans in place to refurbish Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe. The renovation of the airport, which will include major rehabilitation and maintenance to revitalise and expand the terminal building as well as the installation of new equipment such as an aircraft surveillance system, is expected to start in 2016 and completed in 2018. We'll keep you posted!
25 March 2014
Malawi: Chileka International Airport in Blantyre resumes operations!
update (27 March 2014): South African Airways (SAA) on Wednesday (26 March 2014) reinstated flights to Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi.
Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, has resumed operations on 23 March 2014. The airport was closed on 16 March 2014 because of runway maintenance works. According to a statement announced by Malawi's Department of Civil Aviation, which was quoted in the Nyasa Times (online edtion), "the level of safety has been restored to the required standards in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation [ICAO] Annex 14 provisions".
Malawian Airlines already resumed flights between Blantyre and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg today (25 March 2014), while the airline's daily return flights between Blantyre and Lilongwe will only resume on 01 April 2014. We'll keep you posted regarding the other three airlines operating flights to Blantyre, Kenya Airways, South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines!
Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, has resumed operations on 23 March 2014. The airport was closed on 16 March 2014 because of runway maintenance works. According to a statement announced by Malawi's Department of Civil Aviation, which was quoted in the Nyasa Times (online edtion), "the level of safety has been restored to the required standards in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation [ICAO] Annex 14 provisions".
Malawian Airlines already resumed flights between Blantyre and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg today (25 March 2014), while the airline's daily return flights between Blantyre and Lilongwe will only resume on 01 April 2014. We'll keep you posted regarding the other three airlines operating flights to Blantyre, Kenya Airways, South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines!
17 March 2014
Malawi: Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre closed due to runway maintenance works!
update (25 March 2014): Ethiopian Airlines also suspended its flights to/from Blantyre from 18 March 2014 until airport service resumes.
update (20 March 2014): South African Airways (SAA) informed the public on 19 March 2014 that the airline temporarily suspends flights to Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi. SAA customers will be offered one of three options going forward:
Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, closed on 16 March 2014 for at least two weeks. Flights in and out the aiport have been suspended because of runway maintenance works. Kenya Airways announced earlier today in a press statement that all its guests flying to Blantyre will be rerouted though Lilongwe International Airport (IATA: LLW) in Lilongwe during the closure (until 29 March 2014). Malawian Airlines announced that flights to all of its destinations will also depart and terminate from Lilongwe International Airport (IATA: LLW) until the maintenance work is finished. The other two airlines operating flights to and from Chileka International Airport are South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. We'll keep you posted!
Chileka International Airport is located about 16km from Blantyre, the second largest city in the Republic of Malawi. Lilongwe is about 350km from Blantyre. Lilongwe International Airport (IATA: LLW) is also known as Kamuzu International Airport.
- Passengers affected may change travel date for tickets issued before 17 March 2014 and planned travel from 17 March to 01 April 2014 once free of charge.
- Those passengers canceling travel are entitled with a full refund.
- Partially used tickets will also be refunded for their unused value.
update (20 March 2014): South African Airways (SAA) informed the public on 19 March 2014 that the airline temporarily suspends flights to Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi. SAA customers will be offered one of three options going forward:
- Option 1: Those customers who do not wish to travel to Blantyre anymore will be fully refunded, with all penalties waived.
- Option 2: Customers wishing to travel to/from Lilongwe on SAA's service, and who elects to make their own way to/from Blantyre, can do so (at their own cost, between Lilongwe and Blantyre)
- Option 3: Customers will be rebooked who wish to postpone their travel to/from Blantyre tyre until the airport is re-opened.
Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, closed on 16 March 2014 for at least two weeks. Flights in and out the aiport have been suspended because of runway maintenance works. Kenya Airways announced earlier today in a press statement that all its guests flying to Blantyre will be rerouted though Lilongwe International Airport (IATA: LLW) in Lilongwe during the closure (until 29 March 2014). Malawian Airlines announced that flights to all of its destinations will also depart and terminate from Lilongwe International Airport (IATA: LLW) until the maintenance work is finished. The other two airlines operating flights to and from Chileka International Airport are South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. We'll keep you posted!
Chileka International Airport is located about 16km from Blantyre, the second largest city in the Republic of Malawi. Lilongwe is about 350km from Blantyre. Lilongwe International Airport (IATA: LLW) is also known as Kamuzu International Airport.
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