Malawi Airports Need $55 Million for Critical Upgrades.
Malawi's Civil Aviation Authority needs $55 million to upgrade its two main airports to meet international standards by 2026.
The bulk of the funds—$35 million—would go to Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. Chileka Airport in Blantyre requires $20 million in improvements, officials told Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee.
"Aviation has strict security standards we must follow," said Madalo Nyambosye, Principal Secretary for Administration at the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. These include staff training, new terminal equipment, and runway upgrades.
The ministry plans to raise funds through new Airport Development Charges. International travelers will pay $10, and domestic passengers will pay $2 per flight.
Dr. Albert Mbawala, chair of the Legal Affairs Committee, supported these fees but suggested higher rates to match other countries. "Our airports need immediate improvements," he said. He pledged to help secure resources for the upgrades.
The committee advised aviation officials to seek additional funding sources beyond passenger fees. Plans include building security fences around both airports.
The ministry will prioritize upgrades at Kamuzu International Airport before moving on to Chileka Airport. Officials aim to address the most urgent safety and security needs first.
Malawi's Civil Aviation Authority needs $55 million to upgrade its two main airports to meet international standards by 2026.
The bulk of the funds—$35 million—would go to Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. Chileka Airport in Blantyre requires $20 million in improvements, officials told Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee.
"Aviation has strict security standards we must follow," said Madalo Nyambosye, Principal Secretary for Administration at the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. These include staff training, new terminal equipment, and runway upgrades.
The ministry plans to raise funds through new Airport Development Charges. International travelers will pay $10, and domestic passengers will pay $2 per flight.
Dr. Albert Mbawala, chair of the Legal Affairs Committee, supported these fees but suggested higher rates to match other countries. "Our airports need immediate improvements," he said. He pledged to help secure resources for the upgrades.
The committee advised aviation officials to seek additional funding sources beyond passenger fees. Plans include building security fences around both airports.
The ministry will prioritize upgrades at Kamuzu International Airport before moving on to Chileka Airport. Officials aim to address the most urgent safety and security needs first.
