Namibian Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi has confirmed that a feasibility study into the revival of a national airline has been completed and is currently under review. The government allocated N$20 million for the exercise.
Air Namibia, the former national airline, was liquidated on 10 February 2021. At the time, the government said the net economic cost of Air Namibia’s operations had outstripped the net gains and that the airline was therefore unsustainable. It was estimated that the government had spent more than N$8 billion to sustain the airline’s operations.
When it ceased operations, Air Namibia employed more than 600 staff members and carried liabilities of nearly N$5.4 billion, against assets of just over N$1 billion.
Since assuming office in March 2025, the government led by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made efforts to revive the national airline under the new name Namibia Air.
Nekundi said the aviation industry is highly complex and competitive, requiring careful consideration of the strategic framework needed to enter the market.
The team tasked with reviving the airline comprises aviation specialists, representatives from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Attorney General, the Namibia Airports Company, the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority, members of the aviation industry and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.
The technical team is reviewing different operating models, including possible partnerships with international airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines.
Despite the liquidation of Air Namibia, international air travel to Namibia has increased since 2023.
In 2023, Namibia’s airports served 10 international destinations. By mid-2026, that number is expected to increase to 17 destinations through direct or non-stop services, indicating that Namibia is close to doubling its international connectivity within a three-year period.
Between 2023 and the estimated 2026 period, Namibia added the most connections to international cities and achieved the largest capacity growth among Southern African countries, at 18%, according to statistics from the Namibia Airports Company.
In 2024, Air Connect Namibia was established under the leadership of the Namibia Airports Company as a collaborative air service development initiative mandated to improve air access to Namibia. The initiative is committed to assisting and supporting carriers that serve the country’s international airports.
