Namibia, a country known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, relies on a network of airports to connect it to the rest of the world. This article provides a detailed overview of the international airports in Namibia, with a focus on Hosea Kutako International Airport, the country's primary international gateway.
Map of Namibia
Visa Requirements for Entering Namibia
Whether you need a visa to enter Namibia depends on your nationality. A fairly large number of jurisdictions are exempt from obtaining a tourist visa to enter Namibia for stays less than 90 days and for holiday purposes. If your nationality is not on the list of exempted jurisdictions, you need to obtain a tourist visa before entering Namibia.
If you travel with children, in many cases, you need to provide their birth certificates. If only one parent or legal guardian travels with the child, they need to additionally provide an affidavit of consent signed by the absent parent or guardian, a death certificate, or a court order. This is to ensure that the absent parent has given consent that you may travel with the child.
New visa regulations will come into effect on 1 April 2025. Until we have more details, we recommend you consult with your local Namibia Embassy or Consulate to ascertain whether you require a visa to enter Namibia. We advise you to do so well in advance before confirming your booking, as we cannot be held liable if you can’t obtain the correct visa to start your trip.
Read also: Lagos Airport: A Historical Overview
List of Airports in Namibia
Here is a list of airports located in various cities throughout Namibia:
- Eros Airport (IATA: ERS, ICAO: FYWE) - Located in the city of Windhoek.
- Grootfontein Air Base (IATA: GFY, ICAO: FYGF) - Located in the city of Grootfontein.
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (IATA: WDH, ICAO: FYWH) - Located in the city of Windhoek.
- Keetmanshoop Airport (IATA: KMP, ICAO: FYKT) - Located in the city of Keetmanshoop.
- Okaukuejo Airport (IATA: OKF, ICAO: FYOO) - Located in the city of Okaukuejo.
- Ongava Airstrip (IATA: OGV, ICAO: FYNG) - Located in the city of Ongava.
- Oshakati Airport (IATA: OHI, ICAO: FYOS) - Located in the city of Oshakati.
- Sesriem Airport (IATA: SZM) - Located in the city of Sesriem.
- Tsumeb Airport (IATA: TSB, ICAO: FYTM) - Located in the city of Tsumeb.
- Walvis Bay Airport (IATA: WVB, ICAO: FYWB) - Located in the city of Walvis Bay.
Hosea Kutako International Airport: Namibia's Primary International Airport
Hosea Kutako International Airport (also known as HKIA) (IATA: WDH, ICAO: FYWH) is the main international airport of Namibia, serving the capital city Windhoek. Located 45 km (28 mi) to the east of the city, it is Namibia's largest airport with international connections. This article is about Windhoek's primary international airport.
The airport was opened in 1965 during the era of South African administration, and was then named J.G. Strijdom Airport. From its founding in 1965 to the independence of Namibia in 1990, it was named J.G. Strijdom Airport.
After Namibian Independence in March 1990, the French airline, UTA (Union de Transports Aériens) included operations from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Windhoek via Johannesburg and Gaborone.
Hosea Kutako International Airport was the main hub for Air Namibia. Until recently, the absence of limited, direct international flights to Windhoek has forced passengers to fly via Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, or Cape Town International Airport, resulting in additional transit visa costs, visa processing time taken by respective embassies and longer travel time.
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Hosea Kutako International Airport ||Windhoek Airport 2021|| Namibia 🇳🇦 ||
There are around 46 direct flights weekly between Hosea Kutako International Airport and O. R. Tambo International Airport.
Ground Handling Services
Menzies Aviation, an international company registered in the UK, was awarded the ground handling service operations at Hosea Kutako International Airport in November 2013. However, they were evicted in August 2023 due to a long-standing legal battle with the Namibia Airports Company. Paragon commenced ground handling services in replacement shortly after.
Airlines and Destinations
Several airlines operate from Hosea Kutako International Airport, connecting Windhoek to various destinations:
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Airlink Cargo | Johannesburg-O. R. |
| BidAir Cargo | Johannesburg-O. R. |
| Discover Airlines | Some flights operate between Windhoek and Victoria Falls |
Developments and Expansions
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is in the planning stages of constructing a new airport complete with aerodrome classification of category 4F (of the International Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aerodrome Reference Code in terms of Annex 14 of ICAO). This new development would render the airport to accommodate multiple wide-bodied code F aircraft. This project would require a new runway, including taxiways/ aprons.
The NAC envisages a newly constructed terminal building that would include separate VIP check-in/ ancillary facilities. dollars for part of the N$900m/78 km dual carriageway between the airport and Windhoek.
Read also: Your Guide to Luxor International Airport
In May 2018 a spokesperson for Namibia Airports Company announced that the arrivals- and check-in hall, the luggage handling area, the security screening point will be temporarily improved. With airport traffic increasing, the need for a new terminal, runway and apron has been prioritised.
In September 2019, a local building contractor, Nexus Building Contractor, initiated the Congestion Alleviation project.
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