Lilongwe to Johannesburg Flights: Malawi Airlines adds new direct service

Update - 27.08.2026: Malawi Airlines has annoucned the cancellation of flights between Lilongwe and Johannesburg from 25-28 August 2026 due to operational reasons. This affects flight ET024 from Lilongwe to Johannesburg and return flight ET025. Flights ET021 and ET020 will operate normally. 

Travellers looking for Lilongwe to Johannesburg flights will have another option from 24 August 2026, when Malawi Airlines introduces an additional direct service between Malawi and South Africa.

The additional service will operate six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, with an afternoon departure from Lilongwe and an evening return from Johannesburg.

New Lilongwe–Johannesburg flight schedule

The new Malawi Airlines service operates at the following times:

• Lilongwe – Johannesburg: 16:50 – 19:05
• Johannesburg – Lilongwe: 20:00 – 22:15
• Frequency: Tuesday to Sunday
• Starts: 24 August 2026

The new direct return flight complements Malawi Airlines' existing morning service between Lilongwe and Johannesburg, which operates via Blantyre.

For travellers, the new afternoon departure provides more flexibility when planning a trip between Malawi and South Africa, while the evening return flight allows for a full day in Johannesburg before flying back to Lilongwe.

The additional service also offers another option for travellers using Johannesburg as a gateway for onward travel in South Africa and elsewhere in Southern Africa.

Flight times and fares can change, so check the latest Malawi Airlines schedule before booking.

 

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Malawi Airlines adds three new non-stop flights between Lilongwe and Johannesburg!

Malawi Airlines is expanding its regional network with the introduction of three additional non-stop flights per week between Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, effective 06 December 2025.

The new direct services will operate on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with flights departing Lilongwe at 10:20 and arriving in Johannesburg at 12:35. The return flights will leave Johannesburg at 13:25 and touch down in Lilongwe at 15:40.

These new non-stop connections will complement Malawi Airlines’ existing daily Lilongwe –Johannesburg service via Blantyre, boosting the carrier’s total frequency on the Johannesburg route to 10 flights per week.

The enhanced schedule strengthens air connectivity between Malawi and South Africa, offering passengers greater flexibility and shorter travel times for both business and leisure travel.

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Malawi: Malawi Airlines expands domestic services with additional flights between Lilongwe and Blantyre!

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!

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Malawi: Malawi Airlines increases flights between Lilongwe <> Nairobi!

The flag carrier of Malawi, Malawi Airlines, has announced the introduction of a fourth weekly service to Kenya. The airline will add a flight on Sundays to its current schedule between Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Kenya's capital Nairobi. The additonal service will commence on 02 June 2024. Malawi Airlines currently operates three weekly return flights between Lilongwe and Nairobi on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

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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.

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South Africa: Airlink expands its Malawi operations!

South African regional and domestic airline Airlink has announced that it is going to increase the number of its services between South Africa and Malawi. Due to popular demand, the airline will introduce a fourth weekly service on Saturdays between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe. The additional service will commence on 16 December 2023. Airlink operates a 37-seat Embraer Regional Jets on its Malawi routes.
Under the increased schedule, flights on the Lilongwe and Blantyre routes will operate at these times and days of the week, respectively:

• Johannesburg 11:00 > 13:20 Lilongwe on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and, from 16 December 2023, also on Saturdays
• Lilongwe 14:10 > 16:35 Johannesburg on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and, from 16 December 2023, also on Saturdays

• Johannesburg 11:00 > 13:05 Blantyre on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
• Blantyre 14:15 > 16:35 Johannesburg on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

Airlink launched its service between South Africa and Malawi in September 2023, which then became the fifteenth country in the carrier’s regional network. The airline operates services from Johannesburg to both Lilongwe and Blantyre. 

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Malawi: Malawi Airlines set to launch flights to three new regional destinations!

The flag carrier airline of Malawi, Malawi Airlines, is planning to launch flights to three new regional destinations. According to postings on facebook, the airline is planing to introduce flights from Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe to two destinations in Mozambique, namely Nampula Airport (APL) in Nampula and Pemba Airport (POL) in Pemba, as well as flights from Lilongwe to the capital of Rwanda, Kigali. Malawi Airlines has so far not provided any information on the launch date for its flights to the Mozambican destinations besides "route commencing soon". However, flights to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Kigali are set to commence from mid-August 2023. We'll keep you posted!

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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

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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)

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Malawi Airlines resumes flights to South Africa!

The national carrier of Malawi, Malawi Airlines, is set to resume flights between Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. The airline will initially operate return flights to Johannesburg on 02 October, 04 October, 06 October, 09 October, 10 October and 11 October 2020. Flight ET20 will depart Lilongwe  at 09:20 and will arrive in Johannesburg at 11:35. The return flight (ET21) will depart Johannesburg at 12:20 and will arrive in Lilongwe at 14:35.

n.b. Malawi Airlines is operated by Ethiopian Airlines (ET), which owns 49% of the airline. The remaining 51% are owned by the Government of Malawi.

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Malawi reopens Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe for international flights! [update]

update (04 September 2020): Malawi Tourism has published the announcement from the the country's Department of Civil Aviation regarding the reopening of Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe.

The Government of Malawi will reopen Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe for passenger planes and will allow foreign airlines to operate in the country again from 01 September 2020. The airport was closed since March 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. According to the official Facebook page of the Malawi High Commission to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Malawi's Department of Civil Aviation has set up the following requirements and protocols for (air) travellers in and out of Malawi:

1. All passengers arriving in Malawi are required to have a negative SARS Cov-2 PCR Test certificate obtained within 10 days prior to arrival in Malawi. Failure to produce the certificate entry will be denied.
2. All new arrivals will proceed on a self-quarantine for 14 days.
3. All travellers going out of Malawi shall be required to hold negative SARS Cov-2 PCR Test certificate.
4. Arriving passengers will be required to provide samples for Covid-19 testing. Results will be communicated within 48 hours.
5. Any symptomatic passengers will be handled according to health protocols.
6. All travellers and service providers shall observe infection control protocols such as social distancing, hand washing/sanitising and wearing of masks, as necessary. Body temperature will be checked at various strategic points.
7. All arriving passengers shall fill and submit Travel Surveillance Forms available on board or the terminal building. These will be handed to designated health personnel.
8. All masks and/or gloves used shall be disposed of in designated waste collection containers.
9. Only travellers will be allowed in terminal buildings. All others should remain at car parks.
10. Suspected Covid-19 cases can be reported in Malawi on mobile numbers – TNM- 929, AIRTEL- 54747 [src.]

Sorry I don't know. I saw a report stating only KIA until further notice pic.twitter.com/VlZ05ulfMh

— Agnes Dumisani Mizere (@amizere) August 30, 2020

Proflight Zambia to discontinue its service between Lusaka <> Lilongwe!

Zambian airline Proflight Zambia is set to terminate its four-weekly service between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka and Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe in Malawi. According to the airline's international timetable (valid February to May 2020), the service will be discontinued from 29 February 2020.
From its base in Lusaka Proflight Zambia's domestic routes include Livingstone, Mfuwe, Ndola, Solwezi and Ndola <> Solwezi and regional routes to Durban, South Africa, along with a direct service from Ndola to Johannesburg in South Africa.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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