Niël Terblanché
South African Airways (SAA) will launch a third daily flight between Johannesburg and Windhoek starting 27 October.
Bisey Uirab, chairperson of Air Connect Namibia and CEO of the Namibia Airports Company, hailed the move as a positive development for the region.
“Air Connect Namibia sees the additional service as a substantial step in enhancing air travel options and supporting the rising demand for connectivity in the region,” he said.
Uirab added that the increased frequency promises to offer travellers more flexibility, benefiting both business and leisure trips between Namibia and South Africa.
The newly added flight frequency will be serviced by SAA’s Airbus A320 fleet, renowned for its efficiency and modern amenities.
Flights will depart from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) at 05:45, 09:05, and 15:00, while departures from Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) will be at 08:30, 11:55, and 17:45.
“This expanded schedule allows for smoother planning and easier connections for passengers on both ends, addressing the high demand on this popular route,” he said.
Uirab added that the additional flight frequency will increase travel convenience and strengthen economic ties between Namibia and South Africa.
“The frequent service is expected to spur growth in tourism, business exchanges, and cultural interactions between the two nations,” he said.
According to Uirab, Johannesburg is still Windhoek’s most significant international destination in terms of passenger traffic, and the extra capacity is forecast to meet further market demand.
In addition to SAA, several other airlines are currently operating between Johannesburg and Windhoek, including Airlink, which offers multiple daily flights.
Starting in late October 2024, FlySafair will also begin servicing Windhoek from Cape Town, adding even more travel options for passengers.
Uirab said that the newly added flight schedule is a positive shift in improving Namibia’s international air connectivity, benefiting the country’s tourism sector and overall economic growth.
“The introduction of this third flight underscores the commitment of stakeholders such as Air Connect Namibia, which was established earlier in 2024 with the aim of boosting Namibia’s air access,” he said.
The initiative is supported by key players like the Namibia Airports Company, Namibia Tourism Board, and other industry partners, all working together to enhance the country’s aviation sector.
According to Uirab, travellers will also have more flexibility to explore Namibia’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage, as well as to engage in business activities across borders.
