Ruth Haines
Lilongwe International Airport, also known as Kamuzu International Airport, is located 20km north of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. The airport, which opened in 1983, is one of the most convenient and welcoming airports on the continent, with facilities designed to speed up departure and arrival. The airport has a small, older terminal that offers several regional routes, and limited facilities including eateries, shops, and lounges. Lilongwe Airport also offers free WiFi, duty-free shopping, a tourist information desk, and medical services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Kamuzu International Airport |
| Other Names | Lilongwe International Airport, Lilongwe Airport |
| Location | Lumbazi, a suburb of Lilongwe, Malawi |
| Distance from Lilongwe City Centre | 20-30 km |
| Drive from Lilongwe City Centre | 30+ minutes |
| Airport Code | LLW, ICAO: FWKI, IATA: LLW |
| Owner | Department of Civil Aviation |
| Operator | Department of Civil Aviation |
| Elevation | 4,035 feet (1,230 m) |
| Runway Direction | 14/32 |
| Runway Length | 3,540 m |
| Runway Surface | Asphalt |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Services | Restaurants, Coffee, Flowers, Gifts, Duty-Free Shops, Banking, Telephone, Cab, Internet |
| Airlines | Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Malawian Airlines, Proflight Zambia, South African Airways, Ulendo Airlink, Emirates, British Airways, KLM |
| Facilities | Lounges, WiFi, Mobile Charging Points, Lockers, 24-hour Food Options |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Location and surroundings
Lilongwe International Airport, also known as Kamuzu International Airport, is located in Lumbazi, a suburb of Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi. The airport is situated 20 kilometres north of the city centre and serves as the main gateway to the city and the surrounding region. The surrounding area is characterised by a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with the airport itself nestled among a mix of residential, commercial, and agricultural areas.
The airport is conveniently located near several major transportation routes, including the M1 and M14 roads, which provide easy access to and from the airport. The drive into the city centre typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The airport is also well-connected to the rest of the country and the region, with several bus and taxi services available at the ground transportation area, providing travellers with a range of options for getting to and from the airport.
Kamuzu International Airport features two terminals: Terminal 1, located at the old airport building, and Terminal 2, which is the newer of the two. Terminal 1 is currently undergoing major renovations, and all domestic flights are being temporarily handled at Terminal 2. Terminal 2 is dedicated to international flights and offers a range of modern facilities and amenities to enhance the travel experience.
The airport complex boasts a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, flower shops, gift shops, duty-free shops, banking services, telephone services, and internet services. There are also several lounges located within the airport, some of which can be accessed by paying at the door. While there are no dedicated hotels within the airport premises, travellers can find a range of accommodation options in the nearby areas, with the closest ones being a 30-minute drive away.
Liquid Limits: Airport Security's Fluid Restrictions Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Terminals and facilities
Lilongwe International Airport, also known as Kamuzu International Airport, is located 20km north of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. The airport has two terminals: Terminal I, which services domestic flights, and Terminal II, which services international flights. Terminal I is located in the old airport building and is currently under renovation, so all domestic flights are being handled at Terminal II.
The airport has a range of facilities, including restaurants, coffee shops, flower shops, gift shops, duty-free shops, banking services, telephone services, and internet services. There are also lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door, and free WiFi is available throughout the airport. The airport also has a first aid station, and there are Airtel and TNM shops where travellers can purchase SIM cards and phone credit.
The airport is served by several airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Malawian Airlines, Proflight Zambia, South African Airways, and Ulendo Airlink. In the past, British Airways and KLM operated flights between Lilongwe and Europe. The airport has one runway, designated 14/32, with an asphalt surface measuring 3,540 by 45 metres.
Lilongwe Airport started operations in January 2003 and is known for its convenience and welcoming atmosphere. The facilities are designed to speed up departure and arrival processes, and the airport has a small, older terminal that offers several regional routes. However, it is important to note that the airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas or rest zones, and it closes in the evening, reopening only around individual flight times.
Airports Shut Down: Coronavirus Impact and Travel Woes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport and access
Lilongwe International Airport, also known as Kamuzu International Airport, is located 20km north of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. The airport is relatively small, and it is recommended that travellers check the airport hours before planning to sleep there overnight. The airport is served by a number of Eastern and Southern African carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways.
The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 servicing domestic flights and Terminal II servicing international flights. Terminal I is located at the old airport building and is currently under renovation, so all domestic flights are being handled at Terminal II. The airport has a range of facilities, including restaurants, coffee shops, flower shops, gift shops, duty-free shops, banking services, telephone services, and internet services. There are also lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door, and free WiFi is available throughout the airport.
For travellers arriving by car, the airport is located 29km from the centre of Lilongwe and can be accessed via the M12 and M14 highways. There is no information available regarding parking at the airport.
When departing the airport, taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area. There are no hotels at the airport itself, but a list of nearby hotels can be found on TripAdvisor. The drive into the city centre takes approximately 30 minutes.
London Hotels: Airport Shuttle Services and You
You may want to see also
Explore related products
History and construction
Lilongwe International Airport, also known as Kamuzu International Airport, is located in Lumbazi, a suburb of Lilongwe, the capital and largest city of Malawi. The airport was constructed following the relocation of Malawi's capital to Lilongwe in 1975. The construction period lasted from October 1977 to September 1982 and was divided into three phases. The project was funded by a development loan from the Government of Japan, the African Development Bank, and loans from an international banking consortium led by Chase Manhattan Bank. The Nello L. Teer Company was responsible for constructing the runway, taxiways, and apron. The passenger terminal building, control tower, navigation aids, and radar facilities were financed by Japan's ODA loan and constructed by the Mitsubishi Corporation, with consulting provided by Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick & Partners.
Kamuzu International Airport officially opened in 1983, and by 1997, British Airways and KLM operated flights between Lilongwe and Europe. In 2014, the Government of Malawi requested assistance from Japan to rehabilitate the passenger terminal buildings and install an advanced air surveillance system, ADS-B. The rehabilitation project included expanding the international terminal, renovating the existing terminal building, and installing security and aerial surveillance systems. The work was completed by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and handed over to the Government of Malawi in April 2019.
The airport is owned and operated by the Department of Civil Aviation and is located 20 kilometres north of the city centre. It is served by various airlines, including Emirates and several Eastern and Southern African carriers. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal II dedicated to international flights and Terminal I serving domestic flights. Terminal I, located at the old airport building, underwent major renovations, during which domestic flights were temporarily handled at Terminal II. The airport is known for its convenience and efficiency, with facilities designed to expedite departure and arrival processes.
Lilongwe Airport offers a range of services and facilities, including lounges, free WiFi, duty-free shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, flower shops, gift shops, banking services, telephone services, and internet access. There are also eateries, shops, and medical services available. However, it is noted that the airport closes in the evening and reopens around individual flight schedules due to its small size.
A Speedy Airport Experience: Tips for a Quick Getaway
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Food and shopping
Lilongwe International Airport (LLW) offers a variety of food and beverage concessions, including quick snacks and restaurants serving international and local cuisine. The specific locations (landside or airside) and operating hours of these concessions are not known, but they cater to different tastes and preferences.
For travellers who want to indulge in duty-free shopping, the airport has outlets featuring a selection of international and local brands. You can also find a magazine shop and a gift shop within the airport premises.
If you're looking for mobile connectivity, there are Airtel and TNM shops where you can purchase SIM cards and phone credit. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected and coordinate your travel plans.
To enhance your overall comfort, especially during layovers, Lilongwe International Airport offers premium lounges. These lounges provide a relaxing environment and are equipped with essential amenities.
Airport Extreme and PC Compatibility: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The airport code for Lilongwe Airport, also known as Kamuzu International Airport, is LLW.
Lilongwe Airport has a small, older terminal that offers several regional routes. Facilities are limited to a few eateries and shops. The airport is designed to speed up your departure and arrival.
Lilongwe Airport offers free WiFi, duty-free shopping, a magazine shop, a gift shop, restaurants, coffee, flower services, banking, telephone, cab, and internet services. There are lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door.
No, there are no hotels at Lilongwe Airport. The closest hotels are in the city, which is a 30+ minute drive away.
Lilongwe Airport is served by Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Malawian Airlines, Proflight Zambia, South African Airways, Emirates, and Ulendo Airlink.
![Airport Terminal Pack [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tMG0fiDyL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
