Smoking Areas at Malawi Airports

English

You can smoke outdoors before security at Malawi’s two listed airports: Lilongwe Kamuzu International (LLW) and Blantyre Bakili Muluzi International (BLZ), still widely known as Chileka. Neither airport lists an indoor or airside smoking area.

Malawi Airports Compared: Before and After Security

Before security, you can always smoke outside: at a designated smoking area where there is one, or outside the airport property, beyond the terminal kerb and car parks. After security, Yes means there is a smoking area past security and a dash means none is listed. Each airport’s page has the details.

Airport	Before security	After security
Blantyre Chileka (BLZ)	Yes	–
Lilongwe Lilongwe (LLW)	Yes	–

The Major Airports

Kamuzu International (LLW). Lilongwe’s main airport and the Malawi Airlines hub. Outdoor smoking areas near the terminal exits, away from the entrances, before security.

Blantyre Bakili Muluzi International (BLZ). Malawi’s commercial capital airport, officially renamed from Chileka in August 2025. Outdoor smoking areas away from the terminal entrances before security.

Tips for Smokers at Malawian Airports

Both listed airports are outdoor-only
Lilongwe at 1,050m has pleasant climate most of the year
Bring water in summer — Blantyre and lakeside areas can be hot

Last updated: October 24, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke at Malawi airports?

Yes — at the outdoor areas outside the terminals at Lilongwe Kamuzu International (LLW) and Blantyre Bakili Muluzi International (BLZ). Neither airport lists an indoor or airside smoking area, so smoke before security.

Where can I smoke at Lilongwe Airport (LLW)?

Use the outdoor smoking areas near the terminal exits, away from the entrances, before security. Kamuzu International lists no indoor or airside smoking area.

Is there a smoking area at Blantyre Airport (BLZ)?

Yes — Blantyre Bakili Muluzi International Airport, still widely known as Chileka, has open-air smoking areas outside the terminal and away from the entrances. Smoke before security; the airport lists no indoor or airside smoking area.

Are e-cigarettes and vapes allowed at Malawian airports?

Yes — use e-cigarettes and vapes at the outdoor smoking areas, following the same location rules as cigarettes.

What should I expect at Malawian airports as a smoker?

Expect compact terminals with outdoor smoking areas before security and no indoor or airside facilities listed at LLW or BLZ. Lilongwe’s higher elevation brings milder conditions than lower, warmer Blantyre.