The Government of Malawi has announced the suspension of commercial access to VIP lounge facilities at the country’s two primary international gateways, Kamuzu International Airport and Bakili Muluzi International Airport.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, will take effect from 20 April 2026 and remain in place until further notice.
According to the Ministry, the suspension has been implemented to allow for a comprehensive review of the current framework governing VIP lounge operations. This includes an assessment of existing guidelines, operational protocols, and access criteria.
During this period, access to VIP lounges at both airports will be restricted strictly to officially designated users, in line with established government procedures.
While acknowledging that the move may inconvenience passengers who previously accessed these facilities on a commercial basis, authorities have indicated that the decision is necessary to strengthen operational efficiency, enhance security controls, and safeguard the overall integrity of VIP airport services.
Categories Of Eligible Users of Vip Lounges
- The President of the Republic of Malawi, Spouse and Immediate Family members;
- The Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Spouse and Immediate Family members;
- Speaker of the National Assembly;
- The Chief Justice of the Republic of Malawi;
- Former Presidents of the Republic of Malawi;
- Former Vice Presidents of the Republic of Malawi;
- Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Cabinet Ministers;
- Chief Secretary/Secretary to the President and Cabinet;
- The Deputy Chief Secretary/Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet, the Attorney General, Judges of the Supreme Court, Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly and Leader of Opposition;
- Members of Parliament and Judges of the High Court;
- Principal Secretaries/Controlling Officers, Service Chiefs, Heads of Constitutional Bodies, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi;
- Chairpersons of Parastatals and Service Commissions;
- President, Vice President, Secretary General and Treasurer General of political parties represented in parliament;
- Malawi Ambassadors and High Commissioners;
- Heads of Mission accredited to the President and the United Nations Resident Coordinator;
- Heads of Missions and Heads of International Organisations accredited to the Minister;
- Mayors of City and Municipal Councils and Paramount Chiefs;
- Former Speakers of the National Assembly, Former Chief Justices, Former Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Former Deputy Speakers of Parliament, Former Principal Secretaries and Former Malawian Ambassadors and High Commissioners; and
- Guests of the State.
