Lilongwe, Malawi — A parliamentary committee probing the plane crash involving former Vice President Saulos Chilima has revealed that Mzuzu Airport was operating without certification from the Civil Aviation Authority at the time of the tragedy.
The airport’s failure to meet several aviation safety and security standards, including the absence of a perimeter fence, has sparked renewed concern over aviation safety in Malawi. During the hearings, officials confirmed that airports without certification do not comply with international operational and safety standards, posing significant risks to airlines and passengers.
The committee, chaired by Walter Nyamilandu Manda, is investigating whether systemic failures, negligence, or procedural lapses contributed to the crash. Mzuzu Airport was later granted certification for the period between June 2025 and June 2026, but the revelation has intensified calls for accountability.
The investigation also includes a visit to the crash site at Nthungwa Forest in Nkhata Bay District, where the military aircraft went down on June 10, 2024.
The parliamentary inquiry is expected to provide clarity on the events leading to the tragedy and restore public confidence in Malawi’s aviation safety systems.
The findings of the committee will likely shape the future of aviation safety in the country.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Panafricanvisions
Source: Pan African Visions
