Lilongwe International Airport

Kamuzu International Airport is not merely a transit point, but a true "handshake" with Malawi, known as the "Warm Heart of Africa". The air gateway welcomes travelers with a calm and relaxed atmosphere that differs strikingly from the hustle and bustle of giant global hubs. Here, amidst green landscapes and distinctive architecture, your immersion into the unique rhythm of this amazing country begins, whether it is a business trip or the start of a safari tour.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of the airport is its compactness and clear navigation. Since all operations are concentrated in a single terminal, passengers are spared long walks and confusing movement schemes. This makes transfers or exiting to the city as quick and tireless as possible, which is especially valuable after a long flight.

The airport building possesses a recognizable architectural style, combining modern elements with local motifs. Despite its small size by international standards, Kamuzu Airport plays the role of a strategic hub for the region, connecting Malawi with neighboring countries in East and Southern Africa. The staff here is famous for their friendliness, confirming the country's reputation as one of the most hospitable on the continent.

If you need to contact representatives of Lilongwe International Airport (LLW), also known as Kamuzu International Airport, you can use the following contact details:

• Official Website: Basic information about the airport is available on the Airport Developments Limited (ADL) management company website: www.adl.mw.
• Help Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +265 1 700 866. It is recommended to verify the number before calling.
• Airport Address: Kamuzu International Airport, Lumbadzi, Lilongwe, Malawi.
• Email: For general questions and inquiries, you can use the management company's e-mail: info@adl.mw.
• Social Media: At the moment, the airport does not have active official pages on social networks. The most up-to-date information is published on the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must apply directly to your airline's representative at the airport. Airport services do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Service: For consultations and passenger assistance, please use the main help desk phone number or email address listed above.

Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) is located approximately 26 kilometres north of the city centre of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. The journey to the airport usually takes from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. There are several ways to get from the city to the airport, and choosing the best option depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Taxis and Transfers — the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. Official taxis can be found throughout the city, or booked through your hotel. It is recommended to use the services of trusted companies or official airport taxis. Key point — always agree on the trip cost in advance, as most taxis are not equipped with meters. The cost may vary, but this is the most reliable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Many hotels and travel companies also offer a pre-booked transfer service, which guarantees a fixed price and timely car arrival.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for those planning to explore the country on their own. Both international and local rental agencies operate in Lilongwe. By renting a car, you gain complete freedom of movement and can easily reach the airport at any convenient time. Kamuzu Airport provides parking where you can leave your car for both short and long terms. The roads leading to the airport are in good condition.

Public Transport in the form of direct buses or trains to the airport is unavailable. The only budget option is local minibuses, known as "matolas". They operate on various routes but do not have a direct route to the terminal. This method is not recommended for tourists, especially those with luggage, as it requires several transfers, knowledge of local routes, and may not be the safest or most comfortable option. It is suitable only for experienced travellers with a limited budget and a light backpack.

If you are planning a route through the region, it is worth considering other nearby airports. For example, you can fly into Chileka Airport in Blantyre, the country's commercial centre, or into Mfuwe Airport, which serves the popular South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. You can also consider flying into Matundu Airport in the Mozambican city of Tete. From there, you can continue your journey to Lilongwe by ground transport.

Lilongwe International Airport (LLW), also known as Kamuzu Airport, is distinguished by a simple and clear structure. It consists of one two-story passenger terminal, which handles both international and domestic flights. Such compact organisation makes the airport easy to navigate and saves passengers from the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The Departure Zone is partially located on the ground floor, where airline check-in counters are situated. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the first floor for passport control and security screening. The main departure lounge is also located here, with boarding gates, a small number of shops, and cafes. The Arrival Zone is located entirely on the ground floor. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers enter the immigration control hall, then the baggage claim area, and finally pass through customs inspection.

Thanks to the airport's small size, completing all formalities usually takes less time than in major global hubs. Nevertheless, for international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before departure. During periods when several flights are departing or arriving simultaneously, queues may form at check-in and control points.

Navigating the terminal presents no difficulty. All key zones — check-in, security, boarding gates, baggage claim — are within walking distance of each other. Signs are provided in English. Since everything takes place in one building, you will easily find the service you need, whether it is a car rental desk, a currency exchange point in the arrivals hall, or a café in the departure zone.

The history of Lilongwe International Airport (LLW), also known as Kamuzu International Airport, is closely linked to the development of the city of Lilongwe itself as the new capital of Malawi. The airport was officially opened in 1977 to replace the old airfield and become the country's main air gateway, capable of accommodating large international airliners.

The construction of the airport was one of the largest infrastructure projects of that time in Malawi and was implemented with significant financial support from Japan. Its creation was a strategic step following the transfer of the capital from Zomba to Lilongwe in 1975. The new airport was necessary to serve diplomatic missions, the government, and the growing flow of tourists and business travellers.

Since its opening, the airport has borne the name of Malawi's first president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda. Over the years of its existence, it has undergone several stages of modernisation to meet international standards. Reconstructions of the runway, updates to navigation equipment, and improvements to the passenger terminal infrastructure have been carried out. The airport served as a hub for the national airline Air Malawi until it ceased operations and today continues to play a key role in connecting Malawi, a landlocked country, with the rest of the world.

Lilongwe International Airport (LLW), the main air hub of Malawi, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack or drink coffee. Additionally, there are Duty Free shops selling souvenirs, local handicrafts, and travel essentials.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport provides VIP lounges and business class lounges. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks. Passengers have access to Wi-Fi, as well as special stations for charging electronic devices, so you can always stay connected.

Located within the airport building are banking branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs, which is particularly convenient for arriving tourists. For emergency assistance, there is a medical point ready to attend to passengers in case of illness or injury.

Travellers with children can use the mother and child rooms, equipped for baby care. For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps, accessible toilets, and wheelchair assistance services are provided. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance to organise the most comfortable movement through the terminal.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, several hotels are located within a few minutes' drive, many of which offer transfers for their guests. For business travellers, basic business services may be available in the VIP lounges; however, specialised conference halls are not provided within the terminal.

Lilongwe International Airport (LLW) offers passengers several basic but convenient dining options before departure. It is important to understand that this is not a major international hub, so the choice of establishments will be limited, but sufficient for a snack or a full lunch while waiting for a flight.

In the main, public area of the airport (landside, before passing security control), the main restaurant is usually located. Here you can have a leisurely lunch, choosing from a menu of international and local dishes. This is the best option for those who have plenty of time before departure, as well as for those seeing people off. Opening hours are generally synchronised with the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last.

After passing passport control and screening, in the sterile departure zone (airside), there is a refreshment counter and a small café. Here you can have a quick snack, order sandwiches, pastries, as well as cold and hot drinks. This is the ideal place to drink a cup of famous Malawian coffee or tea immediately before boarding the plane. The assortment in the departure zone is more modest but sufficient for a light snack.

regarding cuisine, do not miss the opportunity to try some local specialities if they are presented on the menu. Although finding a traditional dish like nsima might be difficult, the airport often offers simpler snacks, for example, samosas or roasted nuts. Prices in airport establishments are moderate, but, as everywhere, slightly higher than in the city. Passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans) are advised to check the availability of suitable dishes with staff, as a specialised menu may be absent. For travellers with strict dietary restrictions, it would be more reliable to bring food with you.

To ensure your journey through Lilongwe International Airport (LLW), also known as Kamuzu Airport, goes smoothly, it is worth considering a few tips. The main rule is to arrive early. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within Malawi — 1.5–2 hours. This time will be sufficient to complete all pre-flight formalities without haste in a calm atmosphere.

The check-in and screening process at Lilongwe airport is standard. To speed it up, have your passport, ticket, and other necessary documents ready. Regarding hand luggage, remember the international rule for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects and other prohibited items are best checked into luggage immediately. It is always useful to check the exact requirements of your airline in advance.

For passengers transferring in Lilongwe, it is important to follow the "Transit" signs. Check with your airline whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. When passing through customs control upon arrival, be prepared to present your passport and a completed migration card. Honestly declare all goods subject to control to avoid misunderstandings.

A good way to save time is to check in for your flight online. To avoid unnecessary expenses, you can take an empty water bottle with you (you will be allowed to fill it after security) and light snacks, as the choice of establishments in the airport may be limited. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat offers more freedom of movement during the flight.

If your flight is delayed, the first thing to do is contact an airline representative for information and instructions. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be offered drinks, food, or even hotel accommodation. Since the departure zone in the airport is not very large, in case of a long wait, it is worth having a book, a charged power bank, or downloaded movies with you.