NAMIBIA recorded 11% growth in passenger numbers from January to October 2025, after the country recorded more than 1 million origin-destination passengers in 2024 – 11% more than in 2023.
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.
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).
A statement highlighting Air Connect’s rapid growth says in 2023, Namibia’s airports served 10 international destinations but by mid-2026, that number is expected to increase to 17 destinations via direct or non-stop flights.
“Over 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,” Air Connect says.
These flights have contributed more than 120 000 new international seats to Namibia’s 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.
Air Connect chairperson and NAC chief executive Bisey /Uirab says: “The outcomes achieved through Air Connect Namibia demonstrate what is possible when we work collaboratively towards 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,” he says.
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.
He said every flight to and from Namibia is a channel to opportunity, growth and development.
“Namibia is a long-haul destination for many of our strategic source markets such as Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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.
“Without aviation, these connections would be slow and limited,” he said.
The minister said Namibia’s economy is now witnessing significant developments with a potential to transform the country.
“Industries such as the green hydrogen and oil and gas sectors, rely heavily on access to global expertise, technology and investment – and aviation is the path through which these relationships are nurtured and maintained.
“It facilitates investment in sectors where partnerships with international stakeholders are vital,” he said, adding that aviation allows Namibia to connect, not only with global markets, but also with its neighbours – facilitating business, tourism and cultural exchange. – Email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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