Suleman Chitera 
LILONGWE, Malawi – State-owned Airport Development Limited (ADL) has suspended plans to sell an abandoned cargo aircraft at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) after potential buyers submitted offers that fell well below the company’s expected value.
The aircraft has remained stranded at Malawi’s main international airport for 17 years, with its registered owners still unknown despite years of efforts to resolve the matter.
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Earlier this year, the government, through ADL, invited members of the public and interested investors to submit bids for the abandoned aircraft as part of efforts to clear valuable operational space at the airport.
However, in a public notice published on Thursday, ADL announced that it had cancelled the sale process, saying the prices offered by prospective buyers did not reflect the value it had anticipated.
The company said it would not proceed with the disposal of the aircraft under the current bidding process after reviewing all the submissions received.
The abandoned cargo plane has become a familiar sight at Kamuzu International Airport, raising questions over its ownership and why it has remained at the facility for nearly two decades.200 Nkhatabay Kasasile Families Walk to Lilongwe Seeking Government Action
Airport authorities have previously indicated that removing the aircraft is important to improve space utilisation and enhance operational efficiency at one of Malawi’s busiest aviation hubs.
ADL has not announced whether it will invite fresh bids, seek a different disposal process, or pursue other legal options to remove the aircraft.
The decision means the aircraft will remain at Kamuzu International Airport until a new course of action is announced.
