Chileka International Airport (BLZ)

Blantyre, MW 🇲🇼 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

FWCL

IATA

BLZ

Elevation

2555 ft

Region

MW-BL

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: FWCL

Local Code: Not available

Location: -15.6791° N, 34.973999° E

Continent: AF

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals
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Departures
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External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Traveler sentiment for Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, MW, is mixed, with some recent improvements but persistent issues. While recent data indicates relatively efficient security and immigration processes, the airport is generally perceived as basic with limited modern amenities.

What Travelers Love
  • Efficient Security and Immigration: Recent data from December 2025 indicates security wait times of approximately 25 minutes and immigration wait times of about 8 minutes.
  • Improved Parking Facilities: An automated car park management system was introduced in September 2023, designed to enhance vehicle safety and security and offer various payment options including cash, Visa cards, and mobile money platforms.
  • Good Accessibility: The airport is located about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Blantyre's city center and is easily accessible and well-connected to major roads.
  • Local Shopping Options: The airport features several shops where travelers can purchase local crafts, traditional artwork, and Malawian textiles as souvenirs.
Common Complaints
  • Basic Terminal Facilities and Limited Amenities: The airport has a small, single terminal with facilities generally described as very basic. Food options are limited to a small café serving snacks and beverages.
  • Poor Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi services received a low satisfaction rating of 32%.
  • Cleanliness Concerns: Cleanliness is considered "very unpopular" when compared to other airports.
  • Manual Security Checks Post-Immigration: While there's a luggage scanning machine at the airport entrance, there are no security scanning machines for luggage or people after immigration, leading to a manual review of each hand luggage content.
  • Lack of Digitization: The airport reportedly does not accept digital boarding passes, requiring travelers to use check-in counters for printed passes. Additionally, network issues can lead to manual check-in processes.
  • Unclear Visa Requirements: Some travelers have reported being charged for visas upon arrival, which they were previously unaware they needed.

Overall, Chileka International Airport appears to be a functional but basic gateway to Blantyre, with recent improvements in parking. Travelers should anticipate limited amenities and potential manual processes, but can expect relatively quick security and immigration.

Generated False weeks ago

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Chileka International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
3 56 3 Dec 11, 2025
1 11 1 Dec 10, 2025
1 11 1 Dec 11, 2025
Showing top 3 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
10/28 7628 ft 98 ft ASP Active Lighted
15/33 4501 ft 98 ft ASP Active

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 124.9 MHz
TWR TWR 118.1 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
CL Chileka NDB 253 kHz
NC Chileka NDB 356 kHz
VCL Chileka VOR-DME 113300 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are the most common and convenient way to travel from the airport. They are readily available outside the arrivals terminal. Fares are not metered, so it is essential to negotiate and agree on a price with the driver before starting your journey. It is advisable to use licensed airport taxis for safety.

Rental Cars

Several car rental companies, including international brands like Avis and Europcar as well as local providers, operate at Chileka International Airport. Their service desks are typically located in the arrivals hall. It is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and secure better rates.

Public Transportation

There is no formal, scheduled public bus service that directly serves the airport terminal. The primary form of local public transit consists of minibuses (matolas), which can be found on the main road outside the airport grounds. This option is very inexpensive but can be crowded, may not follow a strict schedule, and is generally not recommended for travelers with significant luggage or those unfamiliar with the area.

Nearby Airports

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~55 km away
Nchalo Sucoma Airport
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Ngabu Airport
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Milange Airport
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Mvuu Camp Airport
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Bangula Airport
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Mecanhelas Airport
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~110 km away
Ulongwe Airport
FQUG
Ulongwe, MZ
Small Airport
~127 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.