Air Connect Namibia, a collaborative initiative launched by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) in 2024 to strengthen international, regional and domestic air connectivity, has recorded significant growth in both routes and passenger traffic.

NAC Chief Executive Officer, Bisey |Uirab delivered his overview during the Air Connect Namibia annual event, highlighting the expansion of destinations and passenger numbers.

According to |Uirab, air connectivity has expanded by 70% over the past 18 months, with destinations growing from ten in 2023 to a projected 17 by mid-2026. 

Passenger numbers grew by 11% year-on-year, while seat capacity increased by 18%.

That is the highest growth recorded among Southern African countries without a national flag carrier.

International origin and destination passengers exceeded one million in 2024, underscoring Namibia's rising prominence as a regional aviation hub. 

"We develop a good business case; we look at the numbers in particular, from our rural destination, coming to Namibia, either directly or indirectly, and then we will start engaging. As you say, already from this destination, we've got 20,000 people trying from our rural destination to Namibia, but they come through other routes," highlighted |Uirab. 

The event also featured panel discussions on aviation connectivity, route development and tourism growth. 

|Uirab emphasised that the initiative is designed to support broader economic development and job creation.

"Now, with the recent discovery of oil and gas, all those people who will be waiting are primarily going to come via air connectivity. And that is immense to really ignite our economy and is going to create jobs for our people. And of course, the revenues are going to be coming through some of these investments; we will not spend this money still in our social sectors, like schools or schools. And that will dramatically change the lives of countries with oil."