Namibia needs more international airports

Namibia only has two International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)-standard international airports. The Hosea Kutako International Airport (runway length 4 532 metres) is located about 45 kilometres from Windhoek, while the Walvis Bay International Airport, 15 kilometres east of the town (runway 3 500 metres) mostly accommodates flights to and from South Africa.

The latter airport was upgraded and became our second international airport in 2016, which positioned it at the forefront in airport technology in Southern Africa, a status that deserves full utilisation and promotion.

Eros Airport (runway 2 229 metres) is one of the good airports we have, but it is limited in operations due to its position in the town of Windhoek.

Airports like Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport (Ondangwa), with a runway length of 2 987 metres, are not utilised to the fullest potential. The same can be said with the less developed airports like Ruacana (2 200 metres), Rundu (3 055 metres), Mpacha (2 295 metres), Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop (2 316 metres), Oranjemund (1 600 metres) and Lüderitz (1 830 metres).

Aerodromes such as Swakopmund (1 600 metres, gravel) also are in need of an upgrade for safety, security and further investor attraction.

The Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) is the gateway to Namibia for international travellers, but it is located in the central part of the country, making it inconvenient for people in the north and south. For further advancement and future expansion, Namibia needs to have many more airports similar to or more advanced than HKIA.

This will have to come with upgrades to advanced aviation technologies to accommodate and attract potential investors, for the most part to avoid diverting to other neighbouring countries due to challenges that may affect landings and take-offs on Namibian soil.

Why we need more airports

Aviation is a conveyor for business in and out of the country, and should not be centred in one specific area of operation. Any country that has the ambition to develop and compete with the world would strive to have multiple entry and exit points. We cannot rely on one main international airport. The recent visit of the Cuban president and the inability to get him to Omuthiya on time from HKIA is another reason why we need to expose other regions more. Here are some of the other reasons why Namibia needs more ICAO standard international airports:

To improve air connectivity and tourism: More international airports would make it easier for people to travel to Namibia, both from within Africa and from other parts of the world. This would boost tourism, which is a major contributor to the Namibian economy. The visitors can fly directly to their desired destination, which in turn creates more awareness of such place when added to form part of the many designated ICAO airport codes.

To support economic development: Improved air connectivity would also help to attract foreign investment and businesses to Namibia. Money would flow in the regions from outside, thus creating an exchange of foreign currency and introducing new opportunities for those in many different supporting fields. This would create jobs and boost economic growth, which can aid with the reduction of the number of graduates on the streets.

To improve disaster response: In the event of a natural disaster, such as a flood, wildfires, drought, pandemics, etc, international airports and well-equipped airports can make it easier to deliver relief supplies and personnel to affected areas.

To promote regional integration: Namibia is located in a strategic location in southern Africa, and with many developments such as the fuel discovery and the recent expansion of BRICS, we should expect an influx of Investors and visitors in the region. More international airports would help to promote regional integration and cooperation. It is of paramount importance to focus on these plans to avoid losing out in the future.

Plans to upgrade

The Namibian government, through the line ministry and Namibia Airports Company, have plans to upgrade more airports in the country such as Rundu. The questions to mind are: At what pace and to which status are these upgrades? Do we still have time, or do we need to work overtime to catch up on the international community? Steps and plans appear to be in place, however slow the progress may be when compared to the rest of the globe. I am of the opinion that there is an urgent need to double down and prepare for what is coming. These airports would help to improve air connectivity and tourism in the northern and southern parts of the country.

Government should expedite plans to improve the existing airports. This includes upgrading runways, taxiways and terminal buildings and, in the same vein, investing in new air navigation equipment to improve safety and efficiency.

The development of more ICAO standard international airports is an important part of Namibia's economic development strategy. By improving air connectivity, government hopes to attract more tourists, businesses and investment to the country. This would create jobs and boost economic growth. Airports are very strategic to any country - increase the number to avoid battles that can put a halt to aviation operations in the country like it happened at HKIA with the Menzies/Paragon case.

We should plan ahead and expand this industry to strengthen and empower the local aviation participants. This can potentially be part of our job creation plans for the country, which will guarantee employment with more impactful opportunities to cater for all participants in the long run.

**Captain and flight lieutenant Nelson Tuhafeni Kalangula is a former Namibian Air Force helicopter pilot, an Aviation Safety and Aircraft Accident Investigation certificate holder and author in the making. He holds an honours degree in commerce and a B-Tech in business administration.