10 Jun 2024 | 04:56 PM UTC
Malawi: Authorities announce disappearance of aircraft carrying Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima June 10
Officials announce aircraft carrying Malawian Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima goes missing June 10; authorities launch search operation.
Malawian authorities have announced that an aircraft carrying the country's vice president, Saulos Klaus Chilima, has gone missing June 10. The aircraft, which was also reportedly carrying nine other people, took off from Lilongwe at around 09:17 and failed to land, as scheduled, at Mzuzu Airport (ZZU) at 10:02. Malawian officials assert that the aircraft "went off the radar," and their efforts to contact the aircraft "have failed thus far." President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered Malawian regional and national agencies to launch a search and rescue operation to locate the aircraft. Officials will likely provide updates on the situation over the short term.
Authorities will likely deploy a heightened security presence to various areas across the country over the coming hours as part of their search and rescue efforts. Localized ground transport disruptions are possible in areas that are subject to increased security measures. Flight disruptions are also possible at the country's airports, including Lilongwe's Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) and ZZU.
Avoid all concentrations of security personnel. Allow additional time for travel. Prepare for possible flight disruptions at the country's airports. Carry identification documents at all times. If stopped by security forces, remain courteous and cooperative. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
