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<\/p>\nNAMIBIA recorded 11% growth in passenger numbers from January to October 2025, after the country recorded more than 1 million origin-destination passengers in 2024 \u2013 11% more than in 2023.<\/p>\n
This was highlighted at a recent event where Air Connect Namibia celebrated a year of unprecedented achievement, leading southern Africa in the number of new connections to international destinations.<\/p>\n
Air Connect Namibia is a collaborative air service development initiative, established in 2024, to improve air access to the country. It is led by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC).<\/p>\n
A statement highlighting Air Connect\u2019s rapid growth says in 2023, Namibia\u2019s airports served 10 international destinations but by mid-2026, that number is expected to increase to 17 destinations via direct or non-stop flights.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past 24 months, Air Connect Namibia has welcomed several new and expanded services from among others, Proflight Zambia; Edelweiss; Discover Airlines; FlySafair; South African Airways; Fly Angola and Airlink,\u201d Air Connect says.<\/p>\n
These flights have contributed more than 120 000 new international seats to Namibia\u2019s network.
The statement says between 2023 and mid-2026, Namibia would have added the most connections to international cities, achieving the largest capacity growth of 18% among southern African countries.<\/p>\n
Air Connect chairperson and NAC chief executive Bisey \/Uirab says: \u201cThe outcomes achieved through Air Connect Namibia demonstrate what is possible when we work collaboratively towards a shared vision for our country.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a short period, we have nearly doubled Namibia\u2019s international connectivity and positioned ourselves as the leading aviation growth story in the region. These results reflect real impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cImproved access to markets enables long term economic opportunities, while better connectivity strengthens Namibia\u2019s position as a leading tourism and investment destination,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Addressing the meeting, works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi said aviation is not only about moving people and goods, it is also about moving the country towards prosperity.<\/p>\n
He said every flight to and from Namibia is a channel to opportunity, growth and development.<\/p>\n
\u201cNamibia is a long-haul destination for many of our strategic source markets such as Europe, Asia and the Middle East. <\/p>\n
Tourists from there come seeking not only our natural beauty and wildlife, but also opportunities to invest, to learn from our expertise and to share in the growth story of our nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout aviation, these connections would be slow and limited,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The minister said Namibia\u2019s economy is now witnessing significant developments with a potential to transform the country.
\u201cIndustries such as the green hydrogen and oil and gas sectors, rely heavily on access to global expertise, technology and investment \u2013 and aviation is the path through which these relationships are nurtured and maintained.
\u201cIt facilitates investment in sectors where partnerships with international stakeholders are vital,\u201d he said, adding that aviation allows Namibia to connect, not only with global markets, but also with its neighbours \u2013 facilitating business, tourism and cultural exchange. \u2013 Email: matthew@namibian.com.na<\/p>\n
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