Niël Terblanché
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC)-led regional airline Air Connect Namibia has expressed excitement about the launch of FlySafair’s new flight route, scheduled to begin on 22 October.
The route will connect Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport to Cape Town International Airport.
According to Bisey /Uirab, the chairperson of Air Connect Namibia and the chief executive officer of the Namibia Airports Company, the new service is expected to significantly enhance regional integration.
“This direct connection enhances our efforts to position Namibia as a must-visit destination for travellers from South Africa and beyond. We encourage both leisure and business visitors to take advantage of this convenient new service to discover the beauty, adventures, and warm hospitality that Namibia has to offer,” said /Uirab.
FlySafair will operate a twice-weekly service on this route, with flights scheduled on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
/Uirab expects the new direct connection to strengthen ties between Namibia’s capital and South Africa’s “mother city,” making Cape Town the second-largest international destination for passengers travelling from Windhoek.
Uirab said that this new route will offer travellers increased choice and convenience, fostering greater economic collaboration and cultural exchange between Namibia and South Africa.
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.
Uirab said that the initiative supports carriers servicing Namibia’s international airports, contributing to the country’s economic growth and tourism development.
Two weeks ago, Air Connect Namibia also welcomed Air Botswana with the launch of new flights connecting Windhoek to Maun, Kasane, and Gaborone, with the latter service connecting to Durban.
This will commence on 1 October with Air Botswana operating a three-times-per-week service connecting Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, continuing to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in South Africa.
On 1 November, Air Botswana will launch a three-times-per-week service connecting Maun International Airport (MUB) to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), as well as a three-times-per-week service connecting Kasane International Airport (BBK) to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH).
Lulu Rasebotsa, the chief executive officer of Air Botswana, said the new additions are popular destinations for business and tourism, which is expected to offer convenient air travel between the cities to advance economic activities in all the countries.
“We are also excited that this strategic move is directly linked to the airline’s expansion plans and sustainability. Furthermore, both these new and reinstated routes as well as increased frequencies will strengthen our footprint in the region and simultaneously offer increased flight options to the travelling community within Botswana and beyond,” said Rasebotsa.
