Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, Malawi, will close its main runway for maintenance from April 24.  It is expected to reopen on July 24.

According to James Chakwera, Government Spokesperson, the maintenance will affect commercial airlines that operate big aircraft. “Chileka has two runways but only the auxiliary runway will be operational, and it can only take small aircraft,” he said.

Malawian Airlines, Kenya Airways and South African Airways flights to Blantyre will be affected. Their flights will be diverted to Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe during the rehabilitation.

Chileka is about 350km from Kamuzu. At Kamuzu the government is constructing three new terminal buildings, which are expected to be handed over at the end of this month, and the existing passenger terminal building will be renovated by early next year.