Malawi’s Civil Aviation Authority was officially launched in October 2023, as mandated by the Civil Aviation Act of 2017. Since its inception, the authority has already established two bilateral air services agreements, with Mozambique in 2023 and Saudi Arabia in 2024.
Other notable achievements include the establishment of a cooperative framework with Zambia in the conduct of air traffic services and search and rescue regulatory services.
The authority has taken over the regulatory powers that were previously under the Department of Civil Aviation in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works.
The establishment of the authority is expected to bring stability to the aviation sector as well as ensure conformity to international standards based on charters and conventions to which Malawi is a signatory. Furthermore, Malawi and Rwanda have signed a bilateral air services agreement, a collaborative effort to enhance air travel between the two countries.
In addition, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo have also signed a bilateral air services agreement. The agreement will enable national airlines from both countries to fly directly into each other’s country and operate air services within the agreed protocols. Among other agreements, Malawian Airlines will be able to fly directly to the DRC and operate between Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, while Congo Airlines will be able to fly directly to Lilongwe and operate between Lilongwe and Blantyre.
Other benefits of the agreement include reduced travel times between the two countries and the opening of new markets for the respective national airlines. The air transport system consists of Lilongwe and Blantyre international airports, secondary airports, paved runways, and basic airstrips of grass or low-grade material.
The authority will oversee and regulate all aspects of civil aviation in Malawi, while operations will be provided by various entities. Presently, international air services are provided by Malawian, Kenyan, Ethiopian, South African, and Zambian air carriers to both Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport in Blantyre.
Malawi’s national flag carrier, Malawi Airlines Limited, is a partnership between the Malawi Government (54%) and Ethiopian Airlines (46%). The airline operates Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, and Q400-DH8 aircraft, offering flights to regional destinations including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lusaka, Harare, and Dar es Salaam. Additionally, the airline provides domestic flights connecting Lilongwe and Blantyre.
The government believes that Malawi Airlines is a vital part of the country’s transportation infrastructure, connecting Malawi to the world and facilitating tourism, investment, and trade. The airline contributes significantly to the economy by providing both direct and indirect employment, the government stated.
