By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, has disclosed that none of Malawi’s airports are currently certified, a critical gap that prevents the country from attracting major global airlines.
The Minister made the remarks on Monday during a tour of Bakili Muluzi International Airport in Blantyre to inspect recent rehabilitation work and facility improvements.
Mhango, while acknowledging the recent facelifts, emphasised that the airport still falls short of the international standards required for formal certification.
He highlighted several ‘red flags’ requiring urgent government intervention, citing security vulnerabilities and equipment failures.
“The airport is currently insecure because we do not have a perimeter fence.
This exposes the facility to vandalism and other illegal activities. In addition, the airport’s emergency response is hampered by faulty equipment. Currently, only one firefighting engine is operational.
“Our runway is shorter, approximately 30 meters wide and 2.3 kilometers long. International standards require a width of at least 45 
meters and a length of 2.5 kilometers to accommodate large aircraft comfortably,” he explained.
meters and a length of 2.5 kilometers to accommodate large aircraft comfortably,” he explained.However, Mhango commended Airport Developments Limited (ADL) for recent improvements, including the installation of brand-new security scanners and general facelifts to the terminal.
He assured the public that government would source the necessary funds to renovate both Kamuzu and Bakili Muluzi Intrenational Airports to fully meet international standards.
“The 2017 National Transport Master Plan provides a roadmap for road, rail, maritime, and air transport.
What is needed now is to refurbish and certify these airports. We need these facilities to be certified to attract the world’s major airlines such as Emirates,” said Mhango.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding air travel nationwide, including plans for the construction of a new airport in Mzuzu.
The Minister’s visit to Bakili Muluzi International Airport is part of an ongoing tour to inspect infrastructure development projects across Southern Region.
