Malawi Airlines has unveiled plans to extend flights to Mzuzu and Karonga in the first half of this year, marking a significant step towards improving domestic connectivity and boosting economic activity in the Northern Region.
The airline’s spokesperson Moses Chikalipo confirmed in an interview yesterday that they are set to start flying to Mzuzu in the first quarter of this year and to Karonga in the second quarter.
He said: “We can operate flights to both destinations. Airport Development Limited [ADL] is working on the airports and plans to complete the necessary developments by mid-January this year.
“Additionally, we have sufficient crew to operate these routes without disrupting our existing schedule.”
The move is expected to address the longstanding challenge of limited air travel options in the Northern Region, enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travellers.
Chikalipo said strong demand in the Northern Region and targeted marketing efforts are key factors driving the expansion, with minimal operational disruptions anticipated.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works Peter Dimba is scheduled to inspect Mzuzu and Karonga airports tomorrow to assess their readiness.
ADL spokesperson Wezzie Gondwe said more information will be presented during the deputy minister’s tour to the Northern Region this week.
Economists say the expansion of routes to Mzuzu and Karonga is expected to yield benefits and improved connectivity to attract investors and provide local entrepreneurs access to broader markets.
National Planning Commission director general Thomas Chataghala Munthali, whose organisation plays an oversight role of Malawi 2063 implementation, in an interview said improved air transport can boost tourism as visitors will gain easier access to the Northern Region attraction sites such as Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve.
He said: “If we had better connectivity between Mangochi and Lilongwe, we would also boost tourism in the lakeshore areas.
“With targeted investments, we can revitalise the tourism and hospitality sector.”
In addition to expansion of domestic routes, Malawi Airlines also plans to extend flights to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to align with regional integration goals.
Aviation experts say enhanced air links can facilitate trade and collaboration among member States, further solidifying the country’s position within the region.
Despite plans to resume flights to Mzuzu and Karonga, progress on the development of the proposed Mzuzu Orton Chirwa International Airport and Karonga Airport has stalled in recent years, with spot-checks by Business News showing little to no progress on infrastructure development on the project sites.