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Lilongwe Airport Guide

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Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Lilongwe Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  

This airport closes in the evening and then only re-opens around individual flights because the airport is so small. – a traveller

LLW Airport Overview

Lilongwe Airport (code: LLW) has a small, older terminal that offers several regional routes. Facilities are limited to a few eateries and shops, but we don’t have further details. Economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge.

Sleeping in Lilongwe Airport

We do not yet have any sleep-related airport reviews, but this airport seems to close nightly. Have a backup plan if you’re planning to spend the night. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer shuttle service for a fee. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Lilongwe Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

While it appears that the terminal closes overnight, we were unable to confirm the official hours of operation at the time of this update. If you are considering spending the night, review recent traveller reports before making plans. If you know the airport hours, click here to update this airport guide.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels

There are no hotels at Lilongwe Airport. The nearest accommodation options are in the city, about a 30-minute drive away.

Browse the complete list of hotels near Lilongwe Airport on Expedia.

Airport Lounges

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door.

Pearl Lounge
Location: Airside, Departures Area, after security and passport control.
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (based on flight schedules). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from US$35) • Prepaid lounge passes • Business/First Class passengers on select airlines including Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Yes

Banking Services – Yes

Currency Exchange – Yes

Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available, along with a magazine shop and gift shop.

Food & Drink – Food and beverage concessions are available in the terminal, but specific locations (landside or airside) and operating hours are not known.

Information Desk – A tourist information desk may be available to assist travellers. Details were not confirmed at the time of this update.

Luggage Storage & Lockers  – Unavailable.

Medical Services – A First Aid station is available; hours and location are unknown.
Mobile Charging  – We had no information about mobile charging availability at the time of this update.

Pharmacy – Yes

Showers – Unavailable.
SIM Cards – A reader tells us there are Airtel and TNM shops where you can buy SIM cards and phone credit. (December 2022)

WiFi/Internet – A traveller reports that free WiFi is available. (November 2021)

Airlines
Lilongwe Airport is served by the following airlines: Ethiopian Airlines • Kenya Airways • Malawian Airlines • Proflight Zambia • South African Airways • Ulendo Airlink.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area. A one-way trip between the airport and Old Town takes about 30 – 40 minutes.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-03-10

This guide is for planning purposes only. Details, including rates and hours, may change without notice. Information comes from airports and service providers, their websites, and traveller submissions. We do not represent these providers. To share corrections or updates: write a review or update the airport guide.

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