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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GPS Code: FWCL
Local Code: Not available
Location: -15.6791° N, 34.973999° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
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.
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Airport Routes
Chileka International Airport (BLZ) offers 5 flight routes operated by 3 airlines. Major carriers include Malawian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airlink. Popular destinations from Blantyre include OR Tambo Int'l, Beira, Lilongwe Int'l (Kamuzu Int'l) and Dar es Salaam.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Chileka International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Malawian Airlines
MWI
/ 3W
|
3 | 76 | 3 | Jan 23, 2026 |
Ethiopian Airlines
ETH
/ ET
|
1 | 15 | 1 | Jan 23, 2026 |
|
South African Airlink
LNK
/ 4Z
|
1 | 14 | 1 | Jan 23, 2026 |
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 |
Ground Transportation
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.