In a strategic development for tourism, Namibia has expanded its air connectivity with South Africa, introducing new routes to accommodate growing demand.
Low-cost carrier FlySafair recently launched a twice-weekly route between Cape Town and Windhoek, while South African Airways (SAA) has added a third daily flight from Johannesburg to Namibia’s capital, effective since 27 October 2024.
This enhanced connectivity comes as South African travellers continue to make up a significant portion of Namibia’s inbound tourism, representing nearly 50 per cent of the nation’s total tourism market. The new routes aim to attract even more travellers by providing convenient and affordable options, supporting Namibia’s efforts to revive its tourism industry post-pandemic.
The Namibian government and Namibia Airports Company officials, who attended FlySafair’s inaugural landing in Windhoek, hailed the new routes as key milestones in the Air Connect Namibia initiative. This program, designed to stimulate tourism by increasing air access, is integral to Namibia’s broader vision of strengthening its tourism infrastructure.
Namibia’s Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, highlighted the importance of air connectivity in enabling tourism growth, particularly in light of the pandemic’s impact on travel. Shifeta encouraged more airlines to establish routes to Namibia, reinforcing the country’s ambition to attract foreign visitors and solidify its standing as a unique travel destination within Africa.
Although Namibia’s tourism board was keen to further increase routes from other African cities, plans for a new Air Botswana route from Gaborone to Windhoek have been postponed, representing a minor setback in an otherwise promising expansion period. Despite this delay, the latest developments have ignited optimism within Namibia’s travel sector, which is eager to showcase the country’s spectacular landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences to a broader audience.
This expansion of air routes not only provides South African travellers with improved access to Namibia but also presents opportunities for Australian travel agents to promote multi-destination travel packages within Southern Africa, combining Namibia’s striking deserts and wildlife with South Africa’s urban attractions and natural beauty.
For the travel trade, this increased connectivity allows for better flexibility and itinerary planning, ensuring travellers can experience the best of both countries with minimal transit time. With a steadily improving infrastructure and more flight options, Namibia is positioning itself as a prime destination for Australians looking to explore Southern Africa’s unique natural and cultural offerings.
