By Hastings Yobe
Karonga International Airport is gearing up to resume receiving flights after a 15-year hiatus, thanks to its newly revamped infrastructure. Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works Peter Dimba made the announcement on Wednesday during an inspection of the airport, highlighting its readiness to welcome scheduled flights once again.
“Compared to Mzuzu Airport, Karonga has a longer runway and what is remaining here is to resurface it with asphalt and erect a perimeter fence for security,” Dimba explained. He also revealed that a flight safety officer from Malawi Airlines confirmed that a Boeing 747 could land safely at the airport.
The resumption of flights is expected to happen in phases, with unscheduled flights set to resume in February and scheduled flights starting as soon as Mzuzu Airport is ready. Additionally, partners from Kayelekera Uranium Mine have pledged to support the airport’s development.
The revival of Karonga International Airport will have a significant impact on the local community, particularly in the mining and tourism sectors. “Flights from Karonga International Airport will reduce the distances people travel to and from the district,” Dimba noted.
However, there are still some essential requirements that need to be addressed before the airport is fully operational. Malawi Airlines Flight Safety Officer Captain Frank Madzi emphasized the need for an additional fire truck, stating,
“We intend to bring category five airplanes and these need the presence of two fire trucks, but as for the other structures, these can be done while flights are landing and taking off from here”.
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