Air Connect Namibia proudly celebrates a year of unprecedented achievement, leading Southern Africa in the number of new connections to international cities.

Record Passenger Growth

Over the period January–October 2025, Namibia saw passenger number grow by 11%, This came after the country recorded over 1 million origin-destination passengers in 2024 – 11% more than in 2023.

Rapid Connectivity Expansion

In 2023, Namibia’s airport’s served 10 international destinations. By mid-2026, that number is expected to increase to 17 destinations via direct or non-stop services.

Over the past 24 months, Air Connect Namibia has welcomed several new and expanded services:

• Proflight Zambia: Announced a Lusaka-Livingstone-Windhoek route, launching March 2026
• Edelweiss: Announced a Zurich-Windhoek route, launching mid-2026
• Discover Airlines: Introduced a Munich-Windhoek service in 2025
• FlySafair: Introduced a Cape Town-Windhoek service, becoming Namibia’s first low-cost international connection
• South African Airways (SAA): Expanded its Johannesburg to Windhoek service
• Fly Angola: Became the second carrier connecting Namibia and Angola
• Airlink: Expanded the carrier’s Johannesburg to Walvis Bay service

The flight commitments have contributed more than 120 000 new international seats to Namibia’s network.

Regional Leadership

Between 2023 and the estimated 2026 period, Namibia:

• Added the most connections to international cities (leading performer in Southern Africa) ¹
• Achieved the largest capacity growth (18%) among Southern African countries without a designated flag carrier

¹Connections that are expected to be operational by end-2026, based on OAG data.

Showcasing Namibia

Air Connect Namibia successfully hosted AviaDev Africa in 2024, attracting 500+ delegates, 36 airlines and representatives from 46 countries. The event, held in Windhoek, highlighted Namibia’s unique appeal with delegate excursions to Sossusvlei. In addition, the project team has engaged with more than 15 airlines from strategic markets at leading industry events, including AviaDev and Routes World.

Delivering Measurable Outcomes Through Collaboration

Bisey /Uirab, Chairperson of Air Connect Namibia and CEO of the Namibia Airports Company, said:  “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. These results reflect real impact. Improved access to markets enables long term economic opportunities, while better connectivity strengthens Namibia’s position as a leading tourism and investment destination.”

Commitment to the Future

Air Connect Namibia will continue to work closely with its stakeholders - the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Gondwana Collection, Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Walvis Bay Corridor Group, Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), the City of Windhoek and Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) - and domestic industry and global carriers. Together, the project team will work to expand air services, improve ease of access and grow the aviation sector’s contribution to Namibia’s economy.

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About Air Connect Namibia: Air Connect Namibia, established in 2024 and led by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), is a collaborative air service development initiative mandated to improve air access to the country. Project stakeholders include the Namibian Airports Company (NAC), Gondwana Collection, Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Walvis Bay Corridor Group, Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), the City of Windhoek and Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA). The initiative is committed to assisting and supporting carriers who service the country’s international airports.