Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss says growing demand for nature-based travel, coupled with Namibia’s appeal as a premium safari and adventure destination, was the driving force behind its decision to launch direct flights between Zurich and Windhoek.
The airline recently introduced the route as part of its strategy to expand its long-haul leisure portfolio, positioning Namibia as a key destination in southern Africa.
According to Edelweiss spokesperson Andreas Marti, Namibia stood out because it complements the airline’s existing African network while offering a distinct tourism product centred on vast landscapes, wildlife experiences and exclusive travel opportunities.
Namibia offers a unique combination of safaris, vast landscapes, individuality and high-quality travel experiences, which match very well with the leisure profile of Edelweiss guests, according to Marti.
The airline’s decision was supported by strong market trends that have seen a steady increase in Swiss visitors travelling to Namibia over the past decade. Demand recovered rapidly after the Covid-19 pandemic and has been reinforced by a growing preference among European travellers for nature-based tourism and long-haul African destinations.
Marti said tourist demand from Switzerland continues to grow, while the route also has the potential to attract travellers from Germany and other European markets. Switzerland remained one of Namibia’s most important European source markets in
2025, ranking as the country’s fifth-largest with an estimated 24,200 two-way international origin-destination passengers. Passenger volumes had already increased 9% in 2025 when compared to 2024, underscoring the growing demand for travel between the two countries, according to the Namibia Airports Company.
As Switzerland’s leading leisure airline, Edelweiss focuses on connecting travellers to holiday destinations around the world. Namibia’s reputation for unspoilt natural beauty, authentic experiences and relatively exclusive tourism offerings aligns closely with that strategy, Matti added.
The route has already exceeded initial expectations. Edelweiss originally planned to operate two flights a week between Zurich and Windhoek, but strong early demand prompted the airline to increase the frequency to three weekly flights for the inaugural season.
The company is now monitoring demand closely and is considering extending the operating season next year, potentially starting flights as early as March. Bookings for the first season have developed well.
The airline expects to carry approximately 29,000 passengers annually on the route, equivalent to about 14,500 passengers in each direction.
Most passengers are expected to be leisure travellers, particularly tourists from Switzerland, Germany and other European countries seeking safari experiences, adventure travel and unique nature-focused holidays.
The launch of the direct service is expected to provide a further boost to Namibia’s tourism sector by improving accessibility from one of Europe’s key source markets.
In 2023, Namibia’s airports served 10 international destinations. By mid-2026, that number is expected to increase to 17 destinations via direct or non-stop services, indicating that Namibia is close to doubling international connectivity within a three-year period, according to the Namibia Airports Company.
While Edelweiss regards Africa as an attractive growth market and continues to evaluate new opportunities on the continent, the airline said it is not yet ready to announce any additional African destinations.
Marti said the new route reflects confidence in Namibia’s tourism appeal and long-term growth prospects.
