HOSEA KUTAKO AND WALVIS BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS ACHIEVE RECERTIFICATION, A MAJOR MILESTONE FOR AVIATION SAFETY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) proudly announces the successful re-certification of Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) and Walvis Bay International Airport (WBIA), each achieving an 83% Effective Implementation (EI) score. The aerodrome certificates were issued by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on 5 December 2025, reaffirming that Namibia’s two international gateways continue to meet and uphold the stringent safety, operational, and technical requirements prescribed under the Namibia Civil Aviation Regulations (NAMCARs Parts 139 and 140). The certification also reflects alignment with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The aerodrome certificates for both airports are valid until 6 December 2027.

This remarkable achievement underscores NAC’s commitment to maintaining safe, efficient, and internationally compliant aerodrome operations, while strengthening Namibia’s aviation reputation within the region and across the globe. “The re-certification of our two international airports is a significant milestone,” said Mr Bisey Uirab, Chief Executive Officer of NAC. He added: “Maintaining aerodrome certificates is a continuous commitment to raising the bar in safety and operational standards. This achievement reaffirms our dedication to upholding global aviation standards and supports Namibia’s vision of enabling economic development through safe and reliable air transport infrastructure”.

Aerodrome re-certification is a rigorous and comprehensive process that requires significant investment in infrastructure, systems, and human capital. This includes the upskilling and reskilling of maintenance and operational personnel, continuous infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, and the cultivation of a strong organisational safety culture. In accordance with NAMCAR's Part 139, the aerodrome undergoes five phases of the certification process. The initial phase includes, among other requirements, the conduct of flight and environmental impact assessments. These assessments are essential for verifying the safety performance of navigational aids, flight procedures, and the aerodrome’s overall environmental compliance in line with the Environmental Management Act, 2007 (Act No. 7 of 2007).

Upon successful completion of Phase 1, the process advances to Phase 2. During this phase, the aerodrome is required to submit an Aerodrome Manual detailing all its facilities, infrastructure, systems, and operating procedures necessary to manage and operate the aerodrome safely. The  Aerodrome Manual must be approved by the Executive Director of the NCAA. Once approved, an Organisational Audit is conducted to evaluate whether the NAC has the appropriate organisational structure, competencies, resources, and management systems required to operate the aerodromes safely, securely, and in full compliance with national and international aviation regulations and standards. Notably, this audit confirms the NAC’s ability to consistently maintain safe, secure, and reliable environmentally sustainable airport operations.

Upon successful completion of Phase 2, the certification process advances to Phase 3, and during this phase, the NCAA conduct a comprehensive on-site inspection of the aerodrome’s facilities and infrastructure across the 17 key audit areas listed below. The purpose of this inspection is to validate the accuracy of the information provided in the Aerodrome Manual and to verify the actual implementation of all required systems, procedures, and safety measures. This process includes physical inspections of infrastructure, operational areas, equipment, and navigational aids, as well as interviews with operational personnel to confirm their competency to support safe aerodrome operations.

1. Aerodrome Manual – A current, complete, and approved manual accurately describing aerodrome infrastructures, facilities, operating procedures, and regulatory requirements.
2. Safety Management System (SMS) – A functioning system with hazard identification, risk assessment, safety assurance processes, and active safety promotion.
3. Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP) – A coordinated and regularly tested emergency response plan detailing the roles and responsibilities of all responding to aerodrome emergencies, and communication procedures.
4. Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) – Adequate fire category, competent personnel, functional rescue and fire fighting vehicles, required equipment, and compliance with prescribed response times.
5. Physical Characteristics – Runways, taxiways, and aprons compliant with dimensional requirements, including well-maintained surfaces, drainage, and acceptable surface friction levels.
6. Visual Aids – Fully operational lighting systems, markings, signage, and visual guidance systems supporting safe aircraft manoeuvring and landings.
7. Environmental Management Programme – Effective management of wildlife and bird hazards, fuel spill control measures, and other environmental risks.
8. Obstacle Control – Effective monitoring, reporting, and management of obstacles within and around the aerodrome, ensuring safe aircraft operations.
9. Apron Management – Well-established and effective procedures for aircraft parking marshalling, ground handling oversight, and apron safety.
10. Organisation Capability – Adequate and competent personnel, clearly defined roles, and a functional organisational structure supporting safe operations.
11. Runway Safety Programme – A comprehensive and actively implemented programme to monitor, manage, and mitigate runway-related hazards, such as runway incursions, etc.
12. Aerodrome Maintenance Programme – Structured and effectively implemented maintenance of pavements, lighting systems, signage, and other critical infrastructure.
13. Electrical Systems – Well-designed and effectively maintained electrical and backup power systems to ensure safe and uninterrupted aerodrome operations.
14. Onsite Verification of Aerodrome Data – Regular engineering surveys are conducted at the aerodrome to measure and verify the physical characteristics of runways, taxiways, aprons, and other operational areas, ensuring that all published aerodrome information used in charts, databases, and navigation systems is accurate, reliable, and up to date, thereby supporting safe and efficient flight operations.
15. Integrity of Published Aerodrome Data – Implementation of effective processes and procedures to ensure that all published aerodrome information is complete, accurate, and consistent, thereby supporting safe and efficient flight operations.
16. Safety Measures Against Fire – Effective procedures, equipment, and trained personnel for fire prevention, detection, and emergency response.
17. Quality Management System (QMS) – A system effectively implemented to monitor, evaluate, and continually improve aerodrome processes in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Upon completion of Phase 3, the NCAA consolidates the audit outcomes for all 17 audit areas to calculate the overall Effective Implementation (EI) score. This EI score, together with the severity of any identified findings, forms the basis for determining whether the aerodrome meets the regulatory requirements necessary for the issuance or denial of the aerodrome certificate, which constitutes Phase 4 of the certification process. The aerodrome certification process concludes with Phase 5, which involves the publication of the aerodrome certificate by the NCAA in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).

Importantly, the effective design, implementation, and management of systems, processes, and procedures across these audit areas collectively ensure that our airports operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with national and international aviation standards. The re-certification of our international airports, therefore, provides renewed assurance to both international and domestic airlines that HKIA and WBIA continue to support safe and secure aircraft operations. This achievement strengthens airline confidence, enhances operational efficiency, supports route retention and expansion, and reinforces Namibia’s position as a competitive aviation destination.

Finally, this milestone reflects the exceptional collaboration between the NAC, the NCAA, and all stakeholders committed to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety and operational excellence. The NAC remains dedicated to continuous improvement, forward-looking airport development and operations, and the strengthening of a robust safety culture across all its airports.