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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.

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94% Data Complete 49 of 52 points
Section Breakdown
Basic Info 7/7
Runways 4/4
Frequencies 2/4
Operations 2/2
Fuel 1/1
Contacts 1/2
Additional Info 10/10
Data last updated:
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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.

See all airports with ILS approaches in Malawi →

Frequencies

  • Tower: 118.100 MHz
  • Ground: N/A
  • Operations: 124.900 MHz
  • Traffic/Approach: 124.900 MHz
  • ATIS: N/A

Operation Hours

Monday 05:30 15:00
Tuesday 05:30 15:00
Wednesday 05:30 15:00
Thursday 05:30 15:00
Friday 05:30 15:00
Saturday 05:30 15:00
Sunday 05:30 15:00
  • 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.

See all airports of entry in Malawi →

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

No services listed for this airport yet.

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Malawi Permit Requirements

Medium Overflight: 3d Landing: 3d
  • Overflight Permit: Yes
  • Landing Permit: Yes
  • Overflight Lead Time: 48 working hours before departure
  • Landing Lead Time: 48 working hours before departure
Private / GA Operations:

Private flights require permits. Same documentation requirements apply.

View Full Malawi Permit Details

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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 History
Frequently 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.