Kamuzu International Airport

FWKI / LLW

Lumbadzi, MW

Last Updated
Apr 22, 16:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 9 hours ago
16:00Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
22°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 17°C
5 kt
90°
10+ km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1018 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR FWKI 221600Z 09005KT 9999 FEW026CB 22/17 Q1018 NOSIG

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 4,035 ft
FEW 2,600 ft AGL (CB)
🌤️
FEW (CB)
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
2,600 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
6,635 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Kamuzu International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with few clouds at 2,600 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility. Note: This observation is 8.9 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east (90°) at 5 knots. Runway 14/32 is favored with a 3-knot headwind and 4-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is unrestricted. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 2,600 ft (CB). Caution: cumulonimbus (thunderstorm) clouds reported at 2,600 ft AGL, indicating convective activity in the area.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 22°C (72°F) with a dewpoint of 17°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions. High temperatures at this elevation may result in significant density altitude effects. Pilots should calculate density altitude and adjust performance expectations accordingly.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Vicinity Fog. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Vicinity Fog between 02:00Z and 06:00Z. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast between 08:00Z and 12:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1018 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
884 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (4,035 ft)
Pressure Alt
3,893 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 5,701 ft
ISA Deviation: +15.1°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF FWKI 221500Z 2218/2324 08012KT 9999 FEW030CB BECMG 2218/2220 07008KT CAVOK TEMPO 2302/2306 09004KT 7000 VCFG FEW005 BECMG 2306/2308 11012KT 9999 FEW025CB BKN027 TEMPO 2308/2312 16010G20KT FEW032CB BKN034
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
00:52Z BASE
+0h
MVFR 80° 12 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
02:00Z TEMPO
+2h
MVFR 90° 4 kt
Visibility: 7 km
Vicinity Fog
06:00Z BECMG
+6h
MVFR 110° 12 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 2,700 ft
08:00Z TEMPO
+8h
MVFR 160° 10 kt
Ceiling: 3,400 ft

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
  • • Hover for exact values and timestamps
  • • Click legend items to toggle data series
  • • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
  • • Units automatically converted to preferences
Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
WKI
14 ✈️
32

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 14/32
Active: 14
11,614 ft 148 ft ASP 130°
3.2 kt 3.8 kt
50° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - FWKI

2,841 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
64%
MVFR
34%
IFR
1.6%
LIFR
0.5%

Kamuzu International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 64% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 2.1% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the E averaging 8.6 knots. Temperatures typically range between 14°C and 33°C with an average of 23.8°C. The best months for VFR flying are September, October, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: E (90°)
Average Speed: 8.6 kt
Maximum Recorded: 23 kt
Calm Winds: 6.5%
Direction Distribution:
N
5.8%
NE
10.1%
E
46.7%
SE
12%
S
9.7%
SW
3%
W
2.5%
NW
3.7%

Temperature Range

Average: 23.8°C
Range: 14°C to 33°C
14°C 33°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 2.5%

Best Months for VFR

September October November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 14/32
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.7 kt

Statistics computed from 2,841 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Kamuzu International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: FWKI
IATA Code: LLW
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 4,035 ft MSL

Location

City: Lumbadzi
Country: MW
Latitude: -13.789400°
Longitude: 33.780998°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-2

Runway Information

Runway 14/32
Length: 11,614 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

Nearby Airports

VFR MVFR IFR LIFR No Data

About Kamuzu International Airport

Overview

Kamuzu International Airport serves the central region of Malawi, located in Lumbadzi at an elevation of 4,035 feet MSL. As a medium-sized airport with a substantial 11,614-foot runway, it provides critical aviation infrastructure for the region. The airport's strategic location and substantial runway make it an important transportation hub for both commercial and potentially military operations.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Kamuzu International are predominantly favorable for flying, with 70.8% of observations showing VFR conditions. Easterly winds prevail at an average of 9.4 knots, with occasional gusts up to 23 knots. Pilots can expect consistent visibility averaging 10 statute miles, with the most stable flying conditions occurring during September, October, and November.

Notable Features

The airport's high elevation at 4,035 feet means pilots must consider density altitude effects, particularly during warmer months when temperatures range from 14°C to 33°C. The single runway (14/32) is fully asphalted and offers excellent wind alignment, with a 100% favorable wind profile and an average crosswind of just 6.3 knots. Minimal fog occurrence (0.8%) and consistent visibility contribute to reliable operations.

Approach Considerations

Runway 14/32 provides optimal wind alignment, with easterly winds supporting smooth approaches and departures. The lengthy 11,614-foot runway offers ample space for various aircraft types, providing flexibility in landing and takeoff operations. Pilots should anticipate stable approach conditions, particularly during the peak VFR months of September through November.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.