The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says it is taking steps to strengthen Malawi’s aviation sector, focusing on airport safety, staff training and certification of Malawi’s international airports.
CAA Board Chairperson Baxton Maulidi said the board’s tour of Malawi’s airports has offered a clear picture of both challenges and opportunities.
“We have had a chance to understand the real operational standards on the ground. We saw where improvements have been made and also where attention is still needed,” Maulidi said at Bakili Muluzi International Airport, formerly Chileka.
He added that while Malawi is not yet fully certified under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao), meaning large aircraft cannot currently operate here, the authority is committed to turning things around.
“Our goal is to make our airports safe, efficient and capable of handling international traffic and large aircraft,” Maulidi said.
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He said the authority will also be guided by the country’s long-term development plan, Malawi 2063, which sets objectives for infrastructure including aviation to be achieved by 2030.
Maulidi admitted that Malawi is far behind but insisted the framework provides a roadmap to follow and that changes will be visible.
CAA acting Director-General Samuel Kalua said the authority, which is relatively new, is facing challenges such as a shortage of inspectors across all aviation fields as it largely relies on personnel seconded from the Department of Civil Aviation.
Kalua also pointed to the need for resources and training to ensure both existing and new personnel are fully drilled to perform their duties efficiently.
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“Addressing this is critical for sector-wide safety and efficiency. On a positive note, we have seen improvements in communication and navigation equipment at various airports,” he said.
He also reiterated that the authority’s immediate focus is on certifying Kamuzu International Airport by Icao before moving to Bakili Muluzi International Airport.
Looking to the future, Kalua said the authority wants Malawi to become a competitive aviation destination, attracting operators and tourists by reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.
“We believe that by working together as players in the aviation sector, our airports can become safer, more reliable and capable of supporting international traffic,” he said.
