Niël Terblanché
Air Connect Namibia has announced that due to unforeseen circumstances, this route launch has been delayed, with a new commencement date that will be communicated at a later stage.
In September Air Connect Namibia announced that Air Botswana would begin flights connecting Gaborone to Hosea Kutako International Airport, with continuing service to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport in South Africa as of 1 October.
Bisey /Uirab, the chairperson of Air Connect Namibia and chief executive officer of the Namibia Airports Company, expressed the airline’s regret for the postponement.
Air Connect Namibia is a collaboration between 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) and the City of Windhoek.
The collaboration is aimed at marketing and increasing direct air access to Namibia from around the world, with an initial focus on the Hosea Kutako International Airport.
“The delay has impacted the much-anticipated air link between Gaborone and Windhoek, which was set to strengthen regional ties and offer greater travel convenience between Namibia and Botswana,” he said.
/Uirab reassured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the issues and that further updates will be provided as soon as more details become available.
In contrast to the delay with Air Botswana, two other airlines are on schedule to enhance connectivity in Southern Africa.
FlySafair will commence its twice-weekly flights between Cape Town International Airport and Hosea Kutako International Airport on 22 October 2024.
According to /Uirab, this new service, which will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is expected to boost regional integration and provide consumers with increased flight options between Namibia’s capital and South Africa’s ‘Mother City’.
“The added flight to the route will enhance access for both leisure and business travellers, helping to create stronger economic and cultural ties between the two nations,” he said.
South African Airways (SAA) also announced that it will launch a third daily flight between Johannesburg and Windhoek on 27 October 2024.
“The new frequency, serviced by the airline’s modern A320 fleet, will offer greater flexibility for travellers and increase options for business and leisure travel,” /Uirab said.
Johannesburg is a key hub for regional and international connections.
/Uirab said that the expansion is expected to position Namibia as a growing travel destination further.
According to /Uirab, these developments form part of Air Connect Namibia’s broader strategy to expand air connectivity across the region, providing convenient travel options and supporting the country’s economic growth, particularly in the tourism sector.
He added that Air Connect Namibia’s collaborations with FlySafair and SAA also point to increased demand for air travel within Southern Africa, driven by business and leisure markets.
“The introduction of these new routes will no doubt play a vital role in enhancing Namibia’s accessibility and promoting it as a must-visit destination,” he said.
/Uirab reiterated that both FlySafair’s Windhoek-Cape Town connection and SAA’s increased flights to Johannesburg are expected to open up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, reaffirming Namibia’s commitment to strengthening its regional ties.
He described the new developments as a promising step towards boosting Namibia’s standing as a key player in Southern African aviation.
