Search and rescue operations will persist until the missing aircraft carrying Malawi's Vice President, Saulos Klaus Chilima, is located, as announced by the nation's president late on Monday. According to the announcement from Malawi's Office of the President and Cabinet, the aircraft, with nine other passengers, took off from the capital, Lilongwe, at 09:17 a.m. (0717 GMT). Aviation authorities have been unsuccessful in re-establishing contact since the aircraft went off the radar. The aircraft was set for arrival at Mzuzu Airport at 10:02 a.m.
In a televised speech, President Lazarus Chakwera stated that the airplane was unable to land at the airport due to low visibility and had been directed to return to the capital city. He expressed hope for finding survivors and stated that the search area is concentrated within a 10 km (6 mile) radius in a forest reserve. He emphasized that the operation would continue until the plane is found.
Malawi has sought assistance from neighboring countries, as well as from the U.S., Britain, Norway, and Israel, to aid in the rescue efforts. Chilima, who is considered a potential candidate for next year's presidential election, was previously arrested in 2022 over corruption allegations. However, the charges were dropped last month after the director of public prosecutions filed a notice to discontinue the case, and Chilima has denied any wrongdoing.
