By Innocent Manda
Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, has assured Parliament that government is actively strengthening air transport systems to improve connectivity and reduce pressure on deteriorating road infrastructure.
Mhango was responding to a question from Dedza Mlunduni Member of Parliament, Moses Kunkuyu, who asked government to consider renegotiating with Ethiopian Airlines to increase aircraft presence in Malawi.
According to Mhango, government is already promoting revival and expansion of domestic flights, with Malawi Airlines currently operating two daily departures between Lilongwe and Blantyre to ease congestion and reduce travel time.
The minister also said efforts to resume flights to Mzuzu are underway, with MK1.5 billion allocated in the 2026/27 financial year to upgrade critical infrastructure, including runway widening and installation of safety equipment.
Mhango further said government has signed over six bilateral air service agreements to expand international routes, adding that strategic projects like the Airport City aim to position Malawi as a regional aviation hub.
