Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ, ICAO: FWCL) serves Blantyre, MW. It has 5 scheduled routes to 4 destinations in 4 countries, operated by 3 airlines.
- 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. The eVisa lane is noted to move quickly.
- Improved Parking Facilities: An automated car park management system was introduced in September 2023, enhancing vehicle safety and security and offering various payment options.
- Good Accessibility: The airport is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Blantyre's city center and is easily accessible via major roads.
- Local Shopping Options: Several shops offer local crafts, traditional artwork, and Malawian textiles.
- Terminal Access and Services: These aspects are particularly valued by travelers.
- 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.
- Poor Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi services received a low satisfaction rating of 32%.
- Cleanliness Concerns: Cleanliness is considered "very unpopular" 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 manual review of hand luggage.
- Lack of Digitization: The airport reportedly does not accept digital boarding passes, requiring travelers to use check-in counters for printed passes. Network issues can also 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. As of January 2, 2026, most nationalities again require a visa to enter Malawi.
- Sources researched: flight-report.com, airportroutes.com, thyolohouse.com, visitevery.city, sleepinginairports.net*
Bottom line: Chileka International Airport is a functional but basic gateway. Travelers should anticipate limited amenities and potential manual processes, but can generally expect relatively quick security and immigration procedures.
Routes from BLZ
4 nonstop destinations · 3 airlines.
Airlines at BLZ
3 carriers operate scheduled departures.
Route Network Map
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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, South African Airlink and others. Popular destinations from Blantyre include Lilongwe Int'l (Kamuzu Int'l), OR Tambo Int'l, Dar es Salaam, Beira.
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Common questions about BLZ
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from BLZ?
Chileka International Airport has 5 scheduled routes to 4 destinations in 4 countries, operated by 3 airlines.
Which airlines fly from Chileka International Airport?
3 carriers operate scheduled departures, including Malawian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airlink.
Where is Chileka International Airport located?
Chileka International Airport is located in Blantyre, MW, at an elevation of 2555 ft. Its IATA code is BLZ and ICAO code is FWCL.