Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Airlink has introduced a second daily flight between Johannesburg and Walvis Bay, boosting air connectivity between Namibia’s west coast and South Africa’s economic hub.
The additional service began on 4 July.
Namibia Airports Company (NAC) chief executive officer Bisey /Uirab, speaking on behalf of Air Connect Namibia, said the added frequency supports Walvis Bay’s position as a key trade, investment, and tourism centre in Southern Africa.
“This new Airlink expansion offers travellers improved air access to Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. It is a strategic link that reinforces Walvis Bay’s role as a Southern African trade, investment and tourism hub. The commitment demonstrates the continued successes of Air Connect Namibia and what effective public-private collaboration can achieve in our country,” /Uirab said.
The expanded schedule now includes two daily return flights. According to Airlink, flight 4Z141 departs OR Tambo International Airport at 10:20, followed by flight 4Z143 at 14:05. From Walvis Bay, flight 4Z142 departs at 13:40 and flight 4Z144 at 17:25.
Walvis Bay serves as a key access point to Swakopmund, the Namib Desert, and the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
It also functions as a major logistics and port entry for regional trade and investment.
The development is part of broader efforts in Namibia’s aviation sector to strengthen international routes, including new connections to Luanda, Cape Town, and Addis Ababa.
The Namibia Airports Company has identified route development as a top priority to improve the country’s international airport performance.
Air Connect Namibia, launched in 2024, is an initiative to develop air services led by the Namibia Airports Company in partnership with stakeholders such as Gondwana Collection, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, the Namibia Tourism Board, and the City of Windhoek.
Air Connect Namibia said it plans to engage other carriers on underserved domestic routes and is considering a Walvis Bay–Cape Town service within the current financial year.
