Chileka Airport (FWCL) runway layout (Google Earth)
The main runway at Blantyre’s Chileka International Airport in Malawi was closed due to the presence of potholes, according to a statement made by the country’s Transport Minister to PANA Press.
Several potholes were discovered on the main runway 10/28, which is an asphalt runway 2,325 m ( 7,628 feet) in length. Major repair works were necessary because consistent heavy rains have caused major damage underneath. The runway was Notammed closed:
A0051/14 - RWY 10/28 CLSD DUE MAINT RWY 15/33 AVBL FOR LIGHT ACFT ONLY FOR DAY
LIGHT OPS. 16 MAR 04:00 2014 UNTIL 29 MAR 23:59 2014 ESTIMATED. CREATED:16 MAR 08:00 2014
Ethiopian Airways and Malawian Airlines operate scheduled flights from the airport and have to divert their operations to Lilongwe, Malawi.