Chamwe Kaira
Air Connect Namibia has recorded steady growth in air connectivity, positioning Namibia as the leading performer in Southern Africa in terms of new international air connections.
The initiative was established in 2024 as a collaborative air service development programme led by the Namibia Airports Company, with the aim of improving international air access to the country.
Passenger traffic has continued to grow. Between January and October 2025, passenger numbers increased by 11%. This followed a milestone in 2024, when Namibia recorded more than one million origin-destination passengers, also an 11% increase compared to 2023.
The figures were shared at the annual Air Connect Namibia event held in Windhoek on Wednesday.
Namibia’s international air connectivity has expanded over the past two years. In 2023, the country was served by 10 international destinations.
By mid-2026, this number is expected to increase to 17 destinations through direct or non-stop services.
Several new and expanded international routes have been announced or introduced. Proflight Zambia is set to launch a Lusaka–Livingstone–Windhoek service in March.
Edelweiss has announced a Zurich–Windhoek route expected to start in mid-2026. Discover Airlines introduced a Munich–Windhoek service in 2025, while FlySafair launched a Cape Town–Windhoek route, becoming Namibia’s first low-cost international carrier.
South African Airways expanded its Johannesburg–Windhoek service, Fly Angola became the second airline linking Namibia and Angola, and Airlink increased capacity on its Johannesburg–Walvis Bay route.
These developments are expected to add more than 120 000 new international seats to Namibia’s air network.
Between 2023 and the projected end of 2026, Namibia has added the highest number of international city connections in Southern Africa and achieved the largest capacity growth, estimated at 18%, among countries in the region without a national flag carrier.
These projections are based on Official Airline Guide schedules for routes expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
Chairperson of Air Connect Namibia and chief executive officer of the Namibia Airports Company, Bisey /Uirab, said the progress reflects strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“The outcomes achieved through Air Connect Namibia demonstrate what is possible when we work collaboratively toward a shared vision for our country. In a short period, we have nearly doubled Namibia’s international connectivity and positioned ourselves as the leading aviation growth story in the region,” /Uirab said.
He said improved air access supports long-term economic opportunities and strengthens Namibia’s position as a tourism and investment destination.
Aviation remains a key driver of economic growth, tourism and development, minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi said.
His remarks were delivered on his behalf by Kristofine Naunyango, advisor to the minister and manager at the Public Assets Management Agency, during an aviation-focused engagement.
Nekundi said aviation connects Namibia to global markets, supports trade and investment, and enables the movement of people, goods and services across long distances.
He said air transport is essential for linking tourism and economic centres with rural communities, regional hubs and international destinations.
“Aviation is more than just moving people and goods; it is about moving our country toward prosperity,” the minister said.
He added that emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and oil and gas rely on international expertise, technology and capital, which aviation helps to facilitate.
Tourism, he said, also benefits directly, as air access allows visitors to reach destinations such as Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park more easily, improving visitor experience and supporting higher tourism spending.
Caption
Namibia’s passenger volumes continue to grow, according to Air Connect Namibia.
