Chamwe Kaira
Passenger traffic at Namibia’s airports exceeded one million for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, reaching 1,055,641 in the 2024/25 financial year.
According to the Namibia Airports Company Limited’s (NAC) 2024/25 Annual Report, this marks a 23% increase from the 854 808 passengers recorded in 2023/24.
Flight movements rose by 8% to 46 994, compared to 43,505 in the previous year. This figure remains below the pre-pandemic peak of 60,288 movements recorded in 2019, which NAC attributes to the exit of several regional carriers.
Aeronautical revenue increased to N$346.2 million in 2024/25 from N$326.2 million in 2023/24.
NAC said passenger service fees, domestic landing fees and aircraft parking fees for both international and domestic operations were not increased during the year.
Non-aeronautical revenue rose to N$112.6 million from N$109.2 million in the previous financial year.
The increase was supported by high tenant occupancy levels at Hosea Kutako International Airport. Regional airports continued to record low occupancy due to limited scheduled flights.
NAC says airport safety, security and environmental sustainability remain central to its strategy. During the year, Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport maintained their long-term aerodrome operating certificates.
These certificates are valid until 5 December 2025 and are required for compliance with national and international civil aviation standards. The renewal process is under way.
Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport and Eros Airport were granted long-term aerodrome licences following inspections by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as part of Phase 3 of the licensing process.
The licences are valid until 1 July 2027 for Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport and until 7 February 2028 for Eros Airport.
Both airports exceeded the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority’s Effective Implementation benchmark of 75%. Eros Airport achieved an EI score of 85%, while Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport recorded 76%.
NAC also made progress in licensing Rundu, Katima Mulilo and Lüderitz airports. These airports completed Phase 2 of the licensing process, with 12 manuals submitted to and approved by the civil aviation authority.
Interim licences remain valid until 27 February 2026 as they work toward long-term operating licences.
On environmental management, NAC began implementing the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme. The programme allows airports to measure and manage carbon emissions.
Implementation started at Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport, with plans to extend it to other airports under NAC’s management.
NAC said these developments reflect its focus on maintaining operational standards, regulatory compliance and environmental management across its airport network.
