South African Airways will increase the frequency on its route from Johannesburg to Windhoek, going up from the double daily currently offered, by adding a third daily flight that will operate effective 27 October 2024. This additional frequency is targeted at increasing travel options between the two cities and shall be operated with SAA’s A320 fleet. This shall be in a bid to give flexibility and convenience to both business and leisure travellers while enhancing connectivity between South Africa and Namibia.
The three daily flights will depart Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport at 05:45, 09:05, and 15:00, with return flights departing from Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek at 08:30, 11:55, and 17:45, respectively. The increased frequencies should provide more options for both corporate and leisure passengers while capitalizing on the rising demand for air travel between the two cities.
Air Connect Namibia is a joint initiative by the Namibia Airports Company, and it is very pleased with the new service. Bisey /Uirab, Chairperson and CEO of the NAC, welcomed the introduction of the third daily flight. He termed this a positive development toward ensuring better air access to Namibia and higher international connectivity. This additional flight will not only offer more capacity but greater flexibility for travellers when planning their journey between Johannesburg and Windhoek,” believes Uirab.
“This new flight is a much-needed addition to the route, offering consumers more choice and flexibility,” said /Uirab. He said improved connectivity between the two cities would go both ways for the benefit of the two countries. Increased air services will promote economic cooperation and develop relations between Johannesburg and Windhoek. With increased air capacity, the two countries can look forward to new business opportunities, tourism inflows, and cultural exchanges.
Air Connect Namibia, conceptualised in 2024, is a collaborative air service development initiative led by the NAC. The programme aims to enhance Namibia’s air access and international connectivity. The introduction of SAA’s third daily flight was thus viewed as a major accomplishment in terms of meeting the initiative’s objectives.
This increased flight capacity is supposed to see a rise in passengers plying between Johannesburg and Windhoek. At present, Johannesburg is Namibia’s largest international destination, based on two-way passenger traffic. With this ever-increasing demand for air travel, SAA’s third flight is well-placed to respond to market requirements.
Increased air connectivity is likely further to enhance the development of Namibia’s aviation sector. The new frequency of flights, according to /Uirab, will see more inbound and outbound travel. He further alluded that such expansion would offer convenience to tourists who want to experience and enjoy the rich heritage and variety of offerings of the two destinations. With improved connectivity, tourists can experience Namibia’s natural beauty and new business opportunities opening up in Johannesburg.
Thus, SAA’s decision to introduce a third daily flight between Johannesburg and Windhoek represents a serious milestone toward improving air travel options between South Africa and Namibia. It is expected that this service would increase tourism, firm up economic ties, and bring about collaboration between the two countries because of more flexible schedules with higher capacity. This development represents a welcome step toward continuous efforts to improve international connectivity while Namibia’s aviation industry grows.
