…impresses the North with resumption of flights
By Temwanani Gondwe
President Lazarus Chakwera’s re-election bid in September has received a significant boost from the northern region following his government’s decision to have Malawi Airlines resume flights to Mzuzu Airport.
Several people Malawi Focus has spoken to from the region have expressed their desire to see Chakwera continue ruling the country, applauding his development agenda that does not favor only his home region.
“As you know, northerners cannot be impressed by handouts but by tangible developments such as having Malawi Airlines flying to Mzuzu Airport. That is huge, and Chakwera has just won so many votes,” said Chancy Mzumara from Mzuzu.
He said since Air Malawi stopped its flights to the north, the people of the region have felt neglected and the resumption of flights has renewed their faith in the current administration.

“Chakwera has won our hearts because he has demonstrated that he is a leader who has the welfare of all Malawians at heart, regardless of where one comes from.
“You give me K2,000 or a T-shirt, it won’t last long, but opening up the region to air travel is the best that can be done for the people of the northern region,” said Nyokase Mkandawire, another Mzuzu resident.
Business owners in the north have also praised the move, saying it will boost economic activities in the region, making it easier for investors and tourists to visit.
“Many businesses have struggled because of poor connectivity to the north. It takes hours to drive from Lilongwe or Blantyre to Mzuzu. With air travel, this burden is reduced significantly. President Chakwera has done something truly meaningful for the region,” said Miriam Chirwa, a businesswoman in Rumphi.
Political and election experts say this development is likely to translate into increased support for Chakwera in the upcoming elections.
“Historically, northern Malawi has been a battleground because it does not have a strong regional political identity like the central and southern regions. Any leader who provides meaningful development here stands a good chance of winning votes. The resumption of flights is a game changer,” said political analyst Dr. Lewis Banda.
He explained that Malawi’s past presidents have often been accused of sidelining the north when it comes to major infrastructural projects, but Chakwera’s move challenges that narrative.

“What Chakwera has done is strategic. He has sent a clear message that he is a president for all Malawians, not just those from his region. If this momentum is maintained, he could enjoy massive support in the north, which has been politically unpredictable in previous elections,” said Banda.
The maintenance works at Mzuzu Airport, which includes extending the runway from 1,300 meters to 1,600 meters to accommodate larger aircraft, are nearing completion, according to Deputy Minister of Transport Peter Dimba.
“This extension will enable the resumption of commercial flights by March this year, a milestone eagerly anticipated by the region,” said Dimba.
The last commercial flight operated by Air Malawi at Mzuzu Airport was in 2010, using a 42-passenger ATR aircraft. With the runway extension, Malawi Airlines will commence operations with a 72-passenger Bombardier aircraft.
Flights to Karonga Aerodrome are also set to resume in the second half of the year, marking a significant boost for the region’s connectivity and economic prospects.
Judging by the reaction from northern Malawians, Chakwera appears to have made a powerful impression that could tilt the scales in his favour.