Airport Development Limited (ADL) says it needs an extra K700 million to resolve outstanding technical and operational issues before commercial operations can start at Mzuzu Airport. Rehabilitation works at the facility were initially estimated to cost K1.4 billion, but ADL said last year that the cost had to be recalculated. In an interview yesterday, ADL spokesperson Wezzie Gondwe said: “The estimated cost for completion of the remaining works is in excess of K700 million.
Implementation is ongoing, with a focus on ensuring full operational readiness within the shortest practicable timeframe.” Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licensed the airport for use in August 2025, but the facility is yet to go commercial despite a test flight having been conducted on October 10 2025. Gondwe said issues raised by Malawi Airlines after the test flight included completion of the terminal building, installation of essential passenger facilitation and security equipment such as baggage scanners and walk-through metal detectors. She said the airline also recommended upgrading air traffic services from a flight information centre to a full air traffic control status, which is critical for managing multiple aircraft movements.
In addition, Gondwe said, certain meteorological equipment, including a wind vane and an anemometer require repairs as well as the procurement and installation of a ground power unit was recommended, as aircrafts are currently unable to refuel at Mzuzu Airport. On the part of airside infrastructure, she said that it was recommended that runway shoulders must be resurfaced and drainage systems should be improved. Gondwe responded to public criticism on the quality of rehabilitation works, saying the facility is ready for commercial operations as evidenced by the “successful” test flight and the operating licence granted by CAA.
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She said commercial operations have continued on chartered aircraft, citing Nyasa Air Express which operate flights to and from Mzuzu Airport. Recent damages on the M1 and M5 caused by heavy rains and rendered the Northern Region inaccessible by road, again dragged Mzuzu Airport to the spotlight as travellers explored alternative means. In a separate interview yesterday, CAA director general Sam Kalua said the licence for the airport came with several conditions including widening the runway up to 30 metres, which he said has not been completed.
He said: “The challenge is that during the rainy season, the earth sections of the runway become muddy and slippery for aircraft to land. Only small aircraft can land on the tarred stretch. “If the runway was 30 metres wide, it could have accommodated aircraft equivalent to the one used by Malawi Airlines even during the rains.”
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