GETTING THERE: TRANSPORTATION TO & AROUND MALAWI

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What Airlines Fly to Malawi

Here are the airlines that fly to Malawi and the airports they land at. Most international airlines that fly from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and other regions typically partner with the airlines listed below to transport passengers to Malawi. Always check with the airlines for the latest routes and schedules.

• Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa). Their website is www.ethiopianairlines.com.
• Kenya Airways (via Nairobi). Their website is www.kenya-airways.com.
• Qatar Airways (via Doha). Their website is www.qatarairways.com.
• RwandAir (via Kigali). Their website is www.rwandair.com.
• Airlink (via Johannesburg). Their website is www.flyairlink.com/en/za/.
• Nyasa Express (formerly Ulendo Airlink, now under new management) — Their website is www.flynyasa.net. Here is their Facebook page.

Airports in Malawi

Malawi has several airports, with Kamuzu International Airport and Chileka International Airport being the busiest for international flights. Other airports mainly serve domestic flights in Malawi.

1| Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) – Lilongwe, Malawi

Kamuzu International Airport is the largest airport in Malawi. This Lilongwe airport has most airlines landing here. These are:

• Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa)
• Kenya Airways (via Nairobi)
• Qatar Airways (via Doha)
• Airlink (via Johannesburg)
• RwandAir (via Kigali)

2| Chileka International Airport (BLZ) – Blantyre, Malawi

Chileka International Airport is the second-largest airport in Malawi. It is located in Blantyre. Airlines that land at Chileka International Airport are:

• Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa)
• Kenya Airways (via Nairobi)
• Airlink (via Johannesburg)

3| Mzuzu Airport (ZZU) — Mzuzu, Malawi

Mzuzu Airport serves Malawi’s northern region. This small airport had ceased operations for a couple of years and went through maintenance for a couple of years. 

4| Likoma Island Airport (LIX) — Likoma Island, Malawi

Situated on the eastern side of Lake Malawi, Likoma Island Airport offers domestic flights. It mainly serves the island’s residents and tourists. Smaller airlines such as Nyasa Express land here.

Traveling Locally

To know how to get to Mangochi, Cape Maclear, and Liwonde National Park by car or public transportation (buses and minibuses), visit their pages and scroll down to the ‘how to get there’ section. 

Car Hire/Rental in Malawi

For a more comfortable journey, you can rent a car upon arrival at the airport in Malawi. You can book in advance on major car rental booking sites or some hotel booking sites. 

Driving in Malawi is generally safe and hassle-free, and most main roads are in good condition. However, occasional fuel shortages can occur. Check Malawian news sources such as Malawi Nation for recent updates by searching “petrol” or “fuel.” Gas/service stations are usually found all around the cities.

Self-driving is the fastest way to reach popular destinations like Mangochi, Cape Maclear, Salima, Nkhata Bay, Mulanje Mountain, Liwonde National Park, Majete Game Reserve, and the Shire River. Driving between Lilongwe and Blantyre takes approximately four hours.

Long Distance Driving Tips:

• Start early for long trips to avoid night driving, which is not recommended.
• Stick to main roads for the best road conditions.
• Slow down in trading centers, where pedestrians frequently cross roads.
• Watch out for farm animals crossing unexpectedly.

Taxis in Malawi

Taxis are available in cities near bus depots, airports, and major hotels. Hotel staff can assist in arranging taxi services.

For long-distance travel, taxis are an option, though expensive. Negotiate the fare before starting your trip. A private taxi allows for flexible stops to explore local markets and scenery.

Buses in Malawi

Buses are the most affordable way to travel long distances.

• Lilongwe: Long-distance buses depart from the Lilongwe Bus Depot. Confirm routes with station staff.
• Blantyre: Buses leave from Wenela and Limbe depots.

Night Coaches

These faster, premium buses operate between major cities (e.g., Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu) and sometimes cross into neighboring countries. Since companies change frequently, ask for updated information about departing locations at the airport information desk, with taxi drivers, or at your hotel.

Minibuses in Malawi

Minibuses, smaller vans that operate on fixed routes, are common for both city and long-distance travel.

• City Travel: Minibuses can be flagged down in Lilongwe and Blantyre or found at bus depots. Ask locals or hotel staff for directions.
• Long Distance: From Blantyre, long-distance minibuses depart from Limbe. In Lilongwe, they leave from Lilongwe Bus Depot.

Minibuses are often crowded but operate on flexible schedules and are faster than large buses.

Domestic Air Travel in Malawi

For domestic flights, private small planes are available for hire and can land at both major and smaller airstrips.

Nyasa Express (formerly Ulendo Airlink) is a small airline with scheduled domestic flights. Visit www.flynyasa.net or check their Facebook page for updates.