The Swakopmund Municipality has announced plans to upgrade the town’s aerodrome. This week, Observer Money asked the municipality’s public relations officer, Linda Mupupa, about the reasons behind the planned upgrade.
Observer Money (OM): What has led to this proposed upgrade?
Linda Mupupa (LM): Council called for a feasibility study in 2023 to be conducted on the aerodrome. The purpose of the study was to develop a framework that will guide the council in enhancing the operations and overall functionality of the Swakopmund Aerodrome, in alignment with the council’s long-term vision. The ultimate goal is to position the aerodrome as a recognised point of entry for tourism and other aviation-related activities.
Following the council’s recent decision in June 2025, it is clear that the planned upgrades to the aerodrome are aimed at ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, with implementation scheduled over a realistic and manageable timeframe.
Furthermore, this initiative aligns with one of the council’s key strategic pillars outlined in the five-year strategic plan, tourism and investment, which plays a critical role in driving job creation and delivering broader socio-economic benefits to the town.
OM: The argument can be that the Walvis Bay International Airport is only a few minutes away from Swakopmund, does Swakopmund need a bigger airport?
LM: That is correct, and this fact was taken into consideration during the feasibility study and council’s deliberations. It is not council’s intention to compete with the Walvis Bay International Airport. The primary aim is to ensure that the Swakopmund Aerodrome remains compliant with regulatory requirements, allowing it to continue serving the tourism and recreational aviation sectors.
OM: What is the current annual passenger count at the aerodrome, and what is the anticipated passenger count after the upgrades?
LM: As mentioned, the planned upgrades will focus solely on enhancing the operations and functionality of the aerodrome while ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements. As a result of these improvements, a gradual increase can be expected over time.
OM: After the proposed upgrades, is it going to become an international airport?
LM: No, it will remain as is.
OM: What will be the difference between the Walvis Bay Airport and the proposed Swakopmund Airport?
LM: Currently, the Swakopmund Aerodrome caters mainly to small private aircraft, tourist charters, recreational flights and pilot training activities. Unlike the Walvis Bay International Airport, the Swakopmund Aerodrome does not offer immigration or customs services and therefore is not classified as an international point of entry into Namibia. The key difference lies in the scale of operations and the type of services offered, with Walvis Bay International Airport handling scheduled commercial flights and international passenger processing.
OM: In terms of tourism, how many tourists visited Swakopmund in 2024 compared to 2023?
LM: Exact tourist arrival figures for Swakopmund are not readily available. However, Namibia as a whole experienced a notable increase in international tourist arrivals in 2024 compared to 2023.
OM: How will the Swakopmund Municipality secure the necessary N$443 million for the upgrade?
LM: Council has resolved to invite expressions of interest for the development of a new airport towards the northern part of Swakopmund, rather than committing significant capital investment into the existing Aerodrome. However, the current aerodrome will continue to be maintained and improved to ensure it remains operational and compliant until the new facility is completed and fully functional.
