Mangochi Airport

Economic and infrastructural development. The old airstrip was closed because it was replaced by a new, significantly larger, and more modern airport. The primary reasons for the replacement were:
1. **Inadequate Facilities:** The old airstrip was small, likely with an unpaved or poorly maintained runway, and lacked modern navigational aids and terminal facilities.
2. **Limited Capacity:** It could only handle small, light aircraft, which was insufficient for the government's ambitions to boost international tourism in the region.
3. **Urban Encroachment:** Its location within the growing town of Mangochi prevented any potential for expansion or safety upgrades.
4. **Government Strategy:** The construction of the new airport was a strategic government initiative to support and expand the tourism sector along the southern shore of Lake Malawi.

The site of the former airport is now defunct and no longer used for aviation. Satellite imagery shows the faint outline of the old runway, but it is largely overgrown and is used informally as an open space and a track or road by the local community. The land is situated in a developed area of the town and is subject to encroachment from surrounding buildings and activities. It is not officially maintained for any purpose.

For many years, this airstrip was the main air gateway to Mangochi and the popular resorts on the southern end of Lake Malawi. Its primary function was to serve the tourism industry, flying in visitors from major hubs like Lilongwe and Blantyre. Operations were handled by small charter aircraft, such as Cessna Caravans and Britten-Norman Islanders, operated by local air services. It was a critical piece of infrastructure that helped establish the area as a prime tourist destination before it became obsolete.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the old Mangochi airstrip. It is permanently closed and has been fully superseded by the new Mangochi Airport (ICAO: FWMG), which is located a few kilometers north of the old site. All current and future aviation development for the Mangochi district is focused on the new, operational airport.