Malawi ‘s president, Peter Mutharika, has announced plans for a new international airport for Blantyre-Chileka and a complete overhaul of the terminal at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in the capital Lilongwe.
Currently the buildings at KIA is said to require major rehabilitation and maintenance to revitalise and expand the terminal building. There is also need to install new equipment such as an aircraft surveillance system. The project of extending and maintaining KIA is expected to start this year with completion due in 2018.
Although little detail was given, Mutharika added that plans are underway for an all-new and modern Chileka International Airport in Blantyre.
Chileka is currently the country’s oldest international Airport handling both domestic and international airline operators. The airport has seen increased international traffic in recent years with Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines extending their services to Chileka to join South African Airways.