Chileka Airport

Chileka Airport (BLZ) is the second most important air gateway of Malawi and a major transport hub serving the country's financial and commercial capital, the city of Blantyre. Located just 16 kilometers from the business center, it serves as a starting point for travelers wishing to explore the southern part of this amazing African country. The airport accepts both domestic and international flights, connecting Malawi with key hubs in Africa. Despite its modest size, Chileka plays an important role in the life of the region, providing convenient access to attractions such as Liwonde National Park and the picturesque Zomba Plateau.

Despite its compactness, Chileka Airport offers basic amenities for a comfortable wait for your flight. The terminal has a small lounge and a café where you can have a snack and drink coffee. Parking is provided for travelers arriving by car. Transport connection with the city is provided by taxis and local buses, a trip on which to the center of Blantyre takes about 25-30 minutes. In 2019-2020, the runway was reconstructed at the airport, which allowed for improved reception of various types of aircraft and increased the quality of passenger service.

To obtain current information about the operation of Chileka Airport (BLZ), flight schedules, and services provided, you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: The most reliable information can be found on the website of the management company Airports Development Limited, which services the airport: www.adl.mw.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general inquiries, you can call: +265 1 842 588. Please note that international rates apply when calling from abroad.
• Airport Address: Chileka International Airport, Chileka, Blantyre, Malawi.
• Email: For official requests, you can use the management company's contact email: info@adl.mw.
• Social Media: Specialized social media pages for the airport are not actively maintained. It is recommended to use the official website for verified information.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative office directly at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance directly at the airport, please refer to the information desks located within the terminal.

Getting to Chileka International Airport (BLZ), the main air gateway of the city of Blantyre, is quite simple. The airport is located just 16 kilometers north of the city center, so the journey does not take much time. Depending on the chosen transport, traffic, and time of day, the trip usually lasts from 20 to 30 minutes. Below we consider the main ways to get to the airport.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the most popular and convenient option for tourists. You can order a car through your hotel, use the services of one of the local taxi companies, or agree with a driver on the street. It is strongly recommended to agree on the cost of the trip in advance, as not all cars are equipped with meters. A pre-booked transfer ensures a fixed price and guarantees that you will be met at the right time, which is especially convenient for early or late flights.

Public Transport in Malawi is mainly represented by minibuses, known as "matola". This is the most budget-friendly way to travel, but it is not very convenient for travelers with luggage. There is no direct route to the airport; you will likely need to make transfers, and the minibuses themselves are often overcrowded. This option is suitable for experienced and budget-conscious tourists traveling light. There are no specialized shuttle buses, trains, or metro connecting the city to the airport.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for those planning to independently explore the surroundings of Blantyre and other regions of the country. Several international and local rental agencies operate in the city. You can pick up a car at a city office and return it directly at the airport before departure. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to ensure the best choice and price.

For those traveling to the airport by their own or rented car, parking is available at Chileka Airport. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking, which is convenient if you are flying away for a few days.

If you are planning a trip around the region, it is worth considering other airports. The country's main international hub, Lilongwe International Airport (LLW), is located approximately 245 km away. The nearest foreign airport is Matundu Airport (TET) in Mozambique, at a distance of about 150 km.

Chileka International Airport (BLZ) is distinguished by a simple and logical structure, which consists of two terminals combined in one building. This organization allows for the efficient separation of passenger flows: one terminal specializes in serving domestic flights, and the other — international ones. Thanks to this, navigation through the airport remains convenient and intuitive.

The airport layout is designed for passenger comfort. Essentially, the terminals represent two wings of one complex. In the general hall, there are check-in counters, after passing which passengers proceed to the corresponding sector for security screening and passport control. Arrival zones with baggage claim belts and customs control are also separated for those arriving from abroad and from domestic flights.

Moving between terminals causes no difficulties. Since they are located in the same building, the transition takes just a few minutes on foot, and there is no need to use shuttles or buses. This makes the airport particularly convenient for passengers with children, large luggage, or limited mobility.

Despite the compact size, queues may form during peak hours and before the departure of popular flights. It is recommended to arrive at the airport with time to spare: 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This time will be enough to check in, drop off luggage, and go through all pre-flight formalities without haste.

For quick navigation, simply follow the signs that clearly distinguish directions to the international and domestic sectors. In case of questions, airport staff are always ready to help. Thanks to the thoughtful layout, all key services, waiting lounges, and boarding gates are within walking distance of each other.

Chileka Airport (BLZ) has a rich history closely linked to the development of Malawi. Its history began in the colonial era when it was built as the primary airfield to serve the region. Although the exact founding date is not always cited, it is known that it was actively functioning as early as the 1950s and served as the main air hub in the territory of what was then Nyasaland. After the country gained independence in 1964, Chileka became the first international gateway of the new state, receiving flights from all over Africa and Europe.

A key moment in the airport's history was 1983, when Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) was opened in the new capital, Lilongwe. Following this, the main flow of international flights was redirected to the capital's airport. Chileka received a new status — the country's second most important airport, focused on domestic and regional routes. It retained its strategic importance as it serves the city of Blantyre, which is the commercial and financial center of Malawi.

Throughout its history, the airport has repeatedly undergone modernization to meet changing aviation standards. In recent years, significant reconstruction projects have been implemented, including the renovation of the runway and terminal to improve passenger comfort and safety. An interesting fact: in addition to civil aviation, Chileka Airport is also used by the Air Wing of the Malawi Defence Force, highlighting its dual strategic significance for the country.

Chileka Airport (BLZ) offers passengers a set of basic services and amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Within the terminal, you will find several cafés and snack bars where you can have a bite before departure, as well as shops with travel essentials and souvenirs.

For a more comfortable stay at the airport, general waiting lounges and a VIP lounge offering a quieter atmosphere are provided. Passengers have access to Wi-Fi, and there is also the possibility to charge electronic devices in designated areas. The terminal building houses bank branches and currency exchange points for necessary financial transactions.

A medical station operates at the airport, ready to provide first aid. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travelers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary support, including assistance in moving around the terminal. It is recommended to contact your airline in advance to request special assistance.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, many accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Blantyre, which this air harbor serves. Opportunities for holding business meetings or conferences at the airport itself are limited, so for these purposes, it is better to use the conference halls in the hotels of Blantyre, the commercial center of Malawi.

When planning a snack or lunch at Chileka Airport (BLZ), it is worth considering that this is a small airport, and the choice of establishments here is quite limited. The main food points are concentrated in the main terminal building, in the public access zone before passing passport control and security screening. This allows both departing passengers and those seeing off or meeting them to have a snack.

As a rule, several small cafés or snack bars operate at the airport. Here you can purchase quick snacks: sandwiches, pastries, chips, chocolate, as well as hot and cold drinks, including bottled water, soda, tea, and coffee. Sometimes the assortment includes something with local flair, for example, drinks made from local fruits or traditional Malawian tea. There will likely be no full-service restaurants with a wide menu and waiter service here.

For passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for gluten-free or halal dishes), finding suitable options may be difficult. It is recommended to carry your own snacks to avoid inconvenience. Prices at the airport are traditionally somewhat higher than in the city. Regarding opening hours, local cafés are usually open in accordance with the flight schedule and may be closed at night or during quiet periods.

Thus, Chileka Airport is suitable for a quick snack or a cup of coffee before departure. If you have plenty of time and wish to have a full lunch or dinner, the best decision would be to do so in advance at one of the restaurants in the city of Blantyre before traveling to the airport.

Traveling through Chileka Airport, the air gateway to the city of Blantyre, will be more comfortable if you familiarize yourself with a few tips in advance. It is a relatively small and quiet airport; however, to avoid unnecessary haste, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights. This time will be enough to go through all formalities without fuss, especially during peak hours.

To save time, take advantage of online check-in if your airline provides such a service. At the airport, the check-in and security control procedure is standard, but it is better to keep all documents — passport, ticket, visa (if required) — close at hand. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that window seats offer beautiful views of the picturesque landscapes of Malawi, especially during takeoff and landing. An aisle seat will provide greater convenience if you need to get up during the flight.

Hand luggage rules generally correspond to international standards: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited. Always check baggage allowance rules with your airline. When passing through customs control upon arrival, be ready to present a completed declaration. Declare all valuables and large sums of cash to avoid misunderstandings.

If you have a transfer planned at Chileka Airport, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Since the airport is small, navigation will not cause difficulties. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for information and possible compensation (food, drinks). It is useful to have a portable charger and a book or movie on your smartphone, as entertainment options in the waiting area are limited.

To save money, you can have a snack before the trip to the airport or take light snacks with you, as the choice of cafés on-site is small, and prices may be inflated. Exchange only a small amount at the airport for initial expenses, as the exchange rate in the city is usually more favorable. For the trip to the city, it is better to book a transfer in advance or use the services of an official taxi to avoid inflated fares.