Namibia Plans New National Airline, Rules Out Air Namibia

Namibia has confirmed it will launch a new national airline but will not revive the defunct Air Namibia brand, according to Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi. While no launch date has been announced, Nekundi said a timeline could be revealed within the next two months as preparations advance.

Speaking to New Era newspaper, Nekundi stressed the focus is on building a sustainable carrier from scratch. “We are not reviving Air Namibia. We are reviving a national airline. Once we are at the appropriate time, we shall then look at the appropriate name,” he said.

Air Namibia, the country’s former flag carrier, was liquidated in 2021 after receiving more than NAD8 billion ($453 million) in state bailouts over three decades. Nekundi blamed mismanagement and poor accountability for its collapse but argued that proper oversight could make a new carrier viable.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged full support for the project, allocating NAD20 million ($1.13 million) for a feasibility study. The initiative is part of the ruling SWAPO party’s manifesto, aimed at strengthening Namibia’s transport sector and improving connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

Currently, Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport is dominated by foreign airlines, with South Africa’s Airlink holding the largest seat share at 29%. Other major operators include Discover Airlines, South African Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. Nekundi emphasized that a homegrown flag carrier would boost trade and tourism while ensuring Namibia has stronger control over its air links.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com