🇲🇼 Mzuzu Airport

Mzuzu Airport (FWUU/ZZU) is a civil airport located in Mzuzu, Malawi, serving as a vital aerodrome for domestic air travel in the northern part of the country. It primarily facilitates domestic flights, connecting Mzuzu with Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, and also handles cargo transportation. The airport is designated as an airport of entry, offering customs services.

The airport features a single asphalt runway, designated 17/35, measuring approximately 1,600 by 19 meters (5,249 ft × 62 ft). Situated at an elevation of 1,254 meters (4,115 feet) above mean sea level, its relatively short runway limits operations primarily to smaller propeller aircraft. There are ongoing government initiatives for rehabilitation and expansion to extend the runway and accommodate larger turboprops to enhance regional access and economic development. Fuel available at the airport is AVGAS only. The airport does not operate 24 hours, with specific hours from Monday to Friday, and does not observe daylight saving time.

A significant event in its recent history occurred on June 10, 2024, when a plane carrying the Vice President of Malawi attempted to land at Mzuzu, turned back due to poor visibility, and subsequently crashed, resulting in fatalities. Separately, plans are underway for a new "Mzuzu Orton Chirwa International Airport," which is a proposed facility with a larger scope, including two 2000-meter runways, to be developed on a 90-acre site. This new project has faced delays related to land acquisition and compensation for residents.

Currently, Mzuzu Airport (FWUU/ZZU) remains operational, functioning as an important hub for domestic air travel and regional accessibility within Malawi, despite its limited scheduled operations and infrastructure constraints.