Airlink to open Malawi to the world with new flights

In what will be a monumental step in increasing seamless travel to Malawi from not only across Africa but worldwide, privately-owned and regional airline Airlink are launching flights to both of Malawi’s international airports in Lilongwe and Blantyre from September 2023.

Malawi becomes the 16th country to be included in Airlink’s comprehensive route network. Airlink will fly comfortable and efficient 37-seat Embraer Regional Jets on both new routes, which will operate three times a week out of Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport.

As well as the 16 destinations that Airlink flies to itself, even more significant are their code-shares and interline agreements with no less than 31 international airlines. This level of connectivity means visitors to Malawi from all four corners of the globe can book their air travel with Airlink and its partners, and conveniently arrive in Malawi thanks to seamless connections. Airlink’s partnerships with the likes of  Air France, BA, Cathay Pacific, Delta, El Al, Emirates, Ethiopian, Etihad, Kenya Airways, LATAM, Qantas, Qatar Airways, KLM, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and more really will make Malawi even easier to get to from anywhere in the world!

Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster, shared the companies aspirations for the airline’s future.

“As the premier regional airline, Airlink sets out to provide travellers to and from Malawi with optimal connectivity through a wide choice of conveniently scheduled flights and connections within the region and, through our partners, to the rest of the world.

The tourism industry in Malawi ranks third in generating foreign exchange, after tobacco and tea. It plays a significant role in contributing to the country’s economic growth and stability, as well as its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Rodger explains the importance of Airlink’s new venture.

“In addition to supporting the revitalisation of tourism, Airlink’s new routes will also be able to play a key role in the current Malawi Growth and Development Strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and build a wealthy, self-reliant and industrialised middle-income country,”.

Flights will begin as of 23 September 2023. For the full flight schedule, click here.