The International Civil Aviation Organization’s Eastern and Southern African Regional Office (ICAO ESAF), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Airports Development Limited (ADL) are strengthening collaboration to enhance airport safety and improve Malawi’s compliance with international aviation standards.
The three institutions held a high-level meeting on Wednesday at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), bringing together ICAO ESAF Regional Director, Lucy Mbugua; CAA Director General, Alfred Mtilatila; and ADL Chief Executive Officer, Zione Themba.
Discussions focused on preparations for upcoming validation and audit exercises, calibration of airport navigational aids, airport certification and verification of infrastructure improvements.
The meeting emphasised the importance of thorough inspections, timely resolution of technical issues and active management involvement in ensuring airport readiness. Participants also highlighted the need for a clear roadmap to guide progress through the five phases of airport certification.
The institutions further underscored the importance of close coordination between CAA and ADL in verifying infrastructure improvements, including the airport perimeter fence, to ensure that works meet the required specifications.
ICAO ESAF Regional Director, Lucy Mbugua, said: “Strong regulatory oversight, effective coordination and sustained commitment to international standards are essential to ensuring safe and reliable airport operations.”
On her part, the ADL CEO, Zione Themba, added that: “ADL remains committed to working with CAA and ICAO to deliver compliant airport infrastructure that supports safe, efficient and reliable air transport.”
The meeting reaffirmed the institutions’ commitment to coordinated action, continuous technical improvements and effective safety oversight to strengthen Malawi’s aviation sector and support international connectivity.