Theft and vandalism targeting runway approach lighting systems are undermining operational safety at Mozambique's airports, particularly during periods of reduced visibility. Aeroportos de Moçambique estimates losses of 70 million meticais (approximately US$1.1 million) from damage recorded across several airport facilities.

The incidents are affecting lighting along approach zones, thresholds, and runway shoulders — equipment essential for guiding pilots during landing and take-off manoeuvres. The situation is compounding difficulties during low-visibility conditions, with some aircraft bound for Maputo being diverted to Beira or Johannesburg.

According to Acácio Tuendue, the administrator responsible for the infrastructure portfolio at Aeroportos de Moçambique, the absence of functioning equipment means airports are operating with deficiencies that could jeopardise flight safety. At Maputo International Airport, the damage is estimated at around eight million meticais (US$125,000), while Nacala airport has recorded losses of 21 million meticais (US$328,000).

In Nampula, the damage is valued at 20 million meticais (US$312,000), the same amount recorded at Lichinga airport in Niassa province. The losses encompass the destruction of electrical equipment and systems supporting airport operations.

"Without this equipment functioning, we are placing human safety and lives at risk, our performance declines, and the country's image is damaged in the eyes of the airlines that fly to Mozambique," Tuendue said.

At Maputo airport, 69 runway approach lights were vandalised and destroyed. In Lichinga, 40 transformers were damaged, while in Nampula, components of the water supply system and electrical transformer stations were destroyed.

In response to the scale of the damage, the management of Aeroportos de Moçambique is appealing to communities living near airports to report acts of vandalism and to cooperate in protecting infrastructure.