⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Kamuzu International Airport

Lumbadzi, Lilongwe District (Malawi)
IATA: LLW ICAO: FWKI
Longest Active Runway
11,614 ft
3,540 meters
Field Elevation
4,035 ft
1,230 m MSL
Runway Inventory
1 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
-13.7894°, 33.7810°
LARGE AIRPORT
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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#256 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#417 of 7558
Top 5.5% percentile worldwide
National Standing (Malawi)
#1 in MW
#1 of 7 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+16.1%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Kamuzu International Airport's longest active runway measures 11,614 ft (3,540 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #256. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #417 worldwide (Top 5.5%) and #1 nationally in Malawi.

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy
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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Mid-Altitude Plateau / Valley Facility

Operating at 4,035 ft (1,230 m MSL), true airspeed (TAS) on approach and takeoff roll is moderately higher than indicated airspeed (IAS). Engines experience slight thrust lapse under elevated summer temperatures, necessitating conservative density-altitude dispatch calculations for fully laden twin-engine commercial transports.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

With no qualifying commercial facilities with paved runways ≥5,000 ft within a 100 NM radius, Kamuzu International Airport functions as an isolated regional aviation hub. Scheduled air services and transiting aircraft must calculate extended diversion reserves to alternate airfields outside the immediate 100 NM quadrant.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 11,614 ft (3,540 m)

With its longest runway exceeding 10,500 ft (3,540 m) and paved surface engineering, Kamuzu International Airport meets the operational runway criteria for unrestricted long-haul operations by Code 4E and 4F heavy widebody aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800, Boeing 747-8, Airbus A350-1000, and Boeing 777-300ER at high operational weights.

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
14/32 11,614 ft (3540m) 148 ft (45m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/llw.json ↗