Namibia is set to spend close to N$5 billion on the construction of a third terminal at Hosea Kutako International Airport, the country’s largest airport, as part of a broader push to expand aviation infrastructure and position itself as a regional logistics hub.
Namibia Airports Company (NAC) chief executive officer Bisey Uirab said the major infrastructure project will be undertaken under a build, own and transfer model, alongside planned upgrades at other national airports to meet rising passenger and cargo demand.
The development forms part of NAC’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) 2026–2031, which places strong emphasis on modernising airport infrastructure through terminal upgrades, runway improvements and expanded airside capacity. The plan also includes the introduction of smart technologies and digital systems aimed at improving efficiency, passenger processing and overall service delivery.
According to Uirab, Namibia’s development agenda, including the National Development Plan 6, places infrastructure at the centre of economic growth and economic diversification. In this context, NAC airports are being positioned as strategic gateways linking Namibia and Southern Africa to global markets.
He said infrastructure development alone would not be enough to drive aviation growth, stressing that partnerships remain central to unlocking Africa’s aviation potential. Collaboration among airlines, governments, regulators, investors, logistics providers and communities is viewed as critical to strengthening the aviation ecosystem.
Uirab added that the Namibian government is actively pursuing public-private partnership frameworks while engaging strategic development and financing partners to realise its vision of sustainable, competitive and expanded aviation infrastructure.
He said Namibia also intends to leverage its strategic geographic position as a gateway between Southern Africa and international markets by developing resilient, future-ready and globally competitive airports.
Namibia has further joined 38 African states committed to open skies under the Single African Air Transport Market; a move expected to unlock new economic opportunities, promote tourism and facilitate intra-African trade and investment.
NAC executive for airport operations Leonard Shipuata said increasing passenger and cargo volumes at Namibian airports is essential if the country is to achieve its ambition of becoming a logistics hub. He noted that projects such as the construction of a third terminal at Hosea Kutako International Airport are necessary for Namibia to compete globally and meet international standards.
Shipuata added that in order to grow passenger and cargo volumes, Namibia will also need to upgrade regional airports, which play an important role in supporting the tourism sector.
Namibia recently hosted the third edition of Aviation Week Africa, which was a three-day high-level engagement focused on advancing the continent’s aviation sector.
