Chileka Intl (FWCL/BLZ) — Blantyre, Malawi
Chileka Intl (FWCL/BLZ) serves Blantyre, Malawi. This is a mid-sized airport with 2 runways (10/28, 15/33). Field elevation is 2555 ft AMSL. Data on this page is maintained by the aviation community — contribute to keep it accurate.
Section Breakdown
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Basic Airport Information
- ICAO: FWCL
- Name: Chileka Intl
- Type: medium_airport
- Category: International
- Latitude: -15.6791
- Longitude: 34.973999
- Elevation: 2555 ft
- Country: Malawi
- Municipality: Blantyre
- IATA Code: BLZ
- FAA Code: N/A
- FIR: FWLL
- Timezone: Africa/Blantyre
- Distance from City: 13.0 km
- VFR: Yes
- IFR: Yes
Runways
Runway 10/28
- Designation: 10/28
- Dimensions: 7628 X 98
- Surface: Asphalt
- PCN: N/A
- Lighting: HIRL, REIL both ends
- NAVAIDs: ILS RWY 10, VOR-DME (VCL 113.30), NDB (CL), NDB (NC)
- Approach Types: ILS, VOR/DME, GPS
- Remarks: 2325m x 30m. RWY 28 has 122m overrun. ILS CAT I on RWY 10 (3.0° GS). Rwy 10 elev 2472 ft, Rwy 28 elev 2555 ft. Renovated 2019-2020. Mag hdg 097/277.
Runway 15/33
- Designation: 15/33
- Dimensions: 4501 X 98
- Surface: Asphalt
- PCN: N/A
- Lighting: N/A
- NAVAIDs: N/A
- Approach Types: N/A
- Remarks: Rwy 15 elev 2468 ft, Rwy 33 elev 2546 ft. Mag hdg 141/321. No lighting — VFR daytime only.
Frequencies
- Tower: 118.100 MHz
- Ground: N/A
- Operations: 124.900 MHz
- Traffic/Approach: 124.900 MHz
- ATIS: N/A
Operation Hours
- Extra Hours On Request: Yes
- Remarks: Airport 0530-1500 UTC (0730-1700 local). Tower 0400-1700 UTC. Extended hours available on request to Director of Civil Aviation or Airport Commandant. Fire CAT 8.
Contacts
- AIS Tel: N/A
- ARO Tel: N/A
- MET Tel: N/A
- Admin Tel: +265 1 700 766
- Health Tel: N/A
- Police Tel: N/A
- Authorities Tel: N/A
- Website: https://adlmw.com/airport/chileka-international-airport/
- Remarks: Operator: Civil Aviation Authority of Malawi (Dept of Civil Aviation). Airport managed by Airport Developments Limited (ADL). ARFF Cat 8.
Slots / PPR
- Slot Required: No
- PPR Required: No
- PPR Contact: +265 1 700 766
- Remarks: No slot coordination required. Landing permit required for private/charter — apply min 48h via Malawi DCA. DCA address: Kamuzu International Airport, P.O. Box 44, Lumbadzi, Lilongwe. Ministry of Transport: +265 1 789 377.
Customs
- Open: 05:30
- Close: 15:00
- Phone: N/A
- Extra Hours On Request: No
- Remarks: Customs available during airport operating hours (0530-1500 UTC / 0730-1700 local). Processing ~15 min. Located in main terminal arrival hall.
Fees
- Landing Fee: N/A
- Parking Fee: N/A
- Handling Mandatory: Yes
- Currency: MWK
- Remarks: Landing permit required for private/charter flights. Domestic landing fee is 70% of international rate. No CAA processing fees for overflight permits.
Fuel Information
- Fuel Type: JET A-1
- Price/L: N/A
- Last Updated: 2026-04-04
- Remarks: Supplied by PUMA Energy. Supply availability subject to change. Contact PUMA at airport for current pricing.
- Fuel Type: AVGAS 100LL
- Price/L: N/A
- Last Updated: 2026-04-04
- Remarks: Supplied by PUMA Energy. Supply availability subject to change.
Immigration
- Port of Entry: Yes
- GENDEC Required: Yes
- GAR Required: No
- Remarks: International airport of entry. Visa on arrival available for many nationalities. Immigration processing 15-45 min.
Restrictions
- Curfew Start: N/A
- Curfew End: N/A
- Noise Chapter Min: N/A
- Remarks: Rwy 15/33 daytime VFR only (no lighting). Ops outside 0530-1500Z on request. No noise curfew.
Alternates
FWMG
- ICAO: FWMG
- Name: Mangochi Airport
- Distance (NM): 73.7
- Has IFR: No
- Port of Entry: No
- Immigration Remarks: N/A
FWKI
- ICAO: FWKI
- Name: Kamuzu Intl
- Distance (NM): 132.8
- Has IFR: Yes
- Port of Entry: Yes
- Immigration Remarks: Aircrew do not require visas; passports must have min 3 months validity. Crew licenses accepted in lieu of visa
FWDW
- ICAO: FWDW
- Name: Dwangwa Airport
- Distance (NM): 195.8
- Has IFR: No
- Port of Entry: No
- Immigration Remarks: N/A
Airport Services
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Malawi Permit Requirements
- Overflight Permit: Yes
- Landing Permit: Yes
- Overflight Lead Time: 48 working hours before departure
- Landing Lead Time: 48 working hours before departure
Private flights require permits. Same documentation requirements apply.
Nearby Airports
Airport History
Discover the key milestones and historical events that shaped Chileka Intl. Our community-powered timeline traces this airport's journey from its origins to the present day.
Explore HistoryFrequently Asked Questions
- What are the operating hours of FWCL?
- Chileka Intl operates from 05:30 to 15:00 (on request).
- What is the tower frequency at FWCL?
- The tower frequency at Chileka Intl is 118.10 MHz.
- What fuel is available at FWCL?
- Chileka Intl offers JET A-1, AVGAS 100LL.
- Does FWCL require landing permits?
- Yes, landing permits are required for Chileka Intl (Malawi).
- Is customs available at FWCL?
- Yes, customs at Chileka Intl is available from 05:30 to 15:00.
- Where is FWCL located?
- Chileka Intl (FWCL) is located in Blantyre, Malawi.
- What is the IATA code for FWCL?
- The IATA code for Chileka Intl is BLZ.
- How long is the runway at FWCL?
- The main runway at Chileka Intl (10/28) measures 7628 X 98.
- Does FWCL have an ILS approach?
- Yes, Chileka Intl has ILS (Instrument Landing System) approaches on runway 10/28.
- Is FWCL a port of entry?
- Yes, Chileka Intl is a port of entry where international flights can clear customs and immigration.