Initial works at CIA started on April 26, 2011 but it has delayed due to financial challenges, according to Ministry of Transport and Public Works Spokesperson, James Chakwera.
“The rehabilitation work started a number of years ago. The project is funded by government and we have had challenges with funding to complete it on time,” he explained.
In an interview, Chakwera said currently about 90 per cent of work has been done and that the project is expected to be completed in the next two months.
Chakwera added that CIA is one of the main gateways to Malawi by air and that government expects an improved and a complete facelift of the facility.
Built in 1952 by the British, Chileka is the second largest airport in the country and has been handling ever increasing passenger traffics and flights despite the facility only having two intersecting runways.
Note: Chileka International Airport (IATA: BLZ, ICAO: FWCL) is an airport located 16 km (9 nmi; 10 mi) from Blantyre, the second largest city in the Republic of Malawi and the commercial Capital of Malawi’s Southern Region.
Source: Nyasa Times