Mutharika Lands in South Africa at Lanseria International Airport

President Arthur Peter Mutharika has touched down at Lanseria International Airport north-west of Johannesburg at approximately 4:35 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, aboard a VistaJet Bombardier Global 6000 (registration 9H-VJW) that flew into Lilongwe from Cape Town earlier today to pick him.

Flight-tracking data shows the aircraft departed Cape Town at 9:50 a.m., landed at Kamuzu International Airport at 1:25 p.m., and departed again at 2:37 p.m. with the President on board, bringing total flight time across both sectors to roughly five hours and 35 minutes.

VistaJet markets the Global 6000 as part of its long-range charter fleet, with published rates starting from approximately US$11,000 to US$11,400 per flight hour. Based on those published rates, the five-and-a-half hours of total flight time work out to an estimated US$61,400 to US$63,800 (approximately MK106.5 million to MK110.6 million at current rates)

VistaJet Bombardier Global 6000 registration 9H-VJW costs between US$11,000 to US$11,400 per hour.

Lanseria is Johannesburg’s second major international airport after OR Tambo International Airport. Located in Gauteng province roughly 40 kilometres north-west of central Johannesburg, it sits in close proximity to the city’s northern suburbs, including Fourways, Sandton, and Randburg.

Unlike OR Tambo, Lanseria is situated on the north-western side of the metropolitan area and is widely used for commercial, charter, private, corporate, and VIP aviation. Opened in 1974, the airport features a fully equipped international terminal capable of handling regional, international, and domestic operations alongside dedicated VIP facilities. Notably, Lanseria has served as a key political hub in South African history, famously serving as Nelson Mandela’s arrival point following his release from prison in 1990.

Nelson Mandela Arriving at Lanseria International Airport on 12 February 1990 following his release from prison.

Government officials have described the journey as a private visit. A statement signed by Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi confirmed the President’s departure but did not disclose the purpose or duration of the trip.

Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi confirmed the President’s departure.

This marks Mutharika’s fifth private trip to South Africa, sparking renewed public interest regarding the logistics and funding of these frequent travels. 

Further details are expected as the President proceeds with his engagements in South Africa.