Namibia Pushes Ahead With Airport Upgrade, Airline Revival Strategy

Namibia plans to expand its aviation infrastructure, including the construction of a third terminal at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA), which serves the national capital Windhoek.

The project, announced by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) and the national government, is expected to be completed by 2030. The expansion plan aims to accommodate rising passenger and cargo demand while modernizing the country’s aviation facilities.

Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi emphasized the sector’s importance, describing aviation as a “key part of Namibia’s development plans.”

He added that the government is also moving forward with efforts to re-establish a national airline to improve regional and international connectivity.

HKIA, located around 28 mi. outside Windhoek, is the country’s largest airport and serves as its primary international gateway. Alongside the terminal expansion, Namibia is investing in upgraded aviation systems, including radar, air traffic control and navigation infrastructure.

Nekundi reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an initiative aimed at liberalizing and improving air travel across Africa. “Air connectivity is the lifeblood of Africa’s economic and social development,” he said.

NAC CEO Bisey /Uirab highlighted the strategic importance of the expansion, saying that Namibia aims to position itself “not just as a destination, but as a regional gateway linking Southern Africa to global markets.”

The new terminal will be developed under a “Build, Own and Transfer” model. According to /Uirab, the initiative forms part of NAC’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan for 2026–2031, which prioritizes infrastructure modernization, including runway upgrades and airside capacity enhancements.

He also confirmed a feasibility study that is currently underway will determine the final scope, cost, and implementation timeline for the project.

Namibia has been without a national carrier since loss-making Air Namibia collapsed in 2021. The country’s government plans to launch a new national airline, Namibia Air, later this year.