Walvis Bay International Airport on Namibia’s Atlantic Coast handled its largest aircraft in 15 years on 25 September when a Boeing 747-409F landed with about 80 tonnes of specialised scientific and support equipment for an international nuclear-test monitoring exercise in Namibia.
The aircraft, operated by Network Airline Management, flew from Graz Airport in Austria to transport equipment for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization’s (CTBTO) Integrated Field Exercise 2026 (IFE26). The Namibia Airports Company confirmed that the plane was the biggest to land at the airport in 15 years.
The exercise runs from 10 October to 20 November along Namibia’s Atlantic coast and is the first of its kind to be held in Africa. Previous exercises were conducted in Jordan and Kazakhstan.
The landing highlights the airport’s capacity to accommodate large cargo aircraft as Walvis Bay seeks to expand its role in supporting logistics, marine, coastal and mining activities in the region.
Located in the Namib Desert near the Port of Walvis Bay, the airport is Namibia’s second-largest airport after Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek.
Its runway measures 3,440m by 60m, while its aircraft firefighting and rescue service is classified under Category 6, with an upgrade to Category 7 expected soon.
In May, the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), which operates the Walvis Bay Airport, announced the addition of a new Rosenbauer fire and rescue truck at Walvis Bay International Airport to strengthen its response to aviation emergencies.
The upgrade is intended to improve safety for passengers, crew and airport operations, while supporting the airport’s ability to handle more flights and larger aircraft.
In April, both Walvis Bay International Airport and Hosea Kutako International Airport received Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation certification from Airports Council International Africa.
The accreditation confirms that the airports have measured and compiled their carbon footprints, establishing a baseline for future emissions-reduction initiatives and improved operational efficiency.
The NAC has also reported progress in aviation safety oversight. In December 2025, both airports achieved recertification with an effective implementation score of 83%. Their aerodrome certificates are valid until 6 December 2027.
The developments form part of efforts to strengthen airport safety, operational standards and environmental management as Namibia’s aviation infrastructure supports growing logistics and tourism activities.
