Namibia to revive national airline through public-private partnership

WINDHOEK, Namibia

Namibia has announced plans to revive the national carrier, Air Namibia, through a public-private partnership model, with operations expected to resume by late 2026.

The Namibian Presidency confirmed on Tuesday its position in a statement on its social media page, reaffirming President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's commitment to relaunching the airline under a sustainable business framework.

Air Namibia ceased operations in 2021 after years of financial struggles, requiring repeated government bailouts.

"President Nandi-Ndaitwah has committed to reviving the national airline through well-intentioned strategic measures aimed at avoiding past mistakes. The government intends to pursue this initiative using a sustainable business model with a Public-Private Partnership approach to provide a sound business case," the presidency said.

According to the presidency, a market study will be completed by June 2025, an expression of interest for private partners will be finalized by August this year, and negotiations are expected to conclude by December 2025.

"The launch and official operations of the new airline are anticipated between June and December 2026," the presidency added.

The implementation plan indicates that a 3-billion-Namibian-dollar (about 163 million U.S. dollars) investment is required in the next five years to support Air Namibia.

The revival of Air Namibia is expected to promote tourism through direct international destinations, thereby generating foreign exchange revenue and creating 700 direct and 500 indirect jobs.