DotM March 2026

Airport:  FYWH - Windhoek Int'l Airport, Namibia 

This month we’re going to the African nation of Namibia, located along the Atlantic coast just north of South Africa.  Namibia was a territory of South Africa until it gained independence in March 1990.  Namibia’s main economic staple is their mining industry unearthing gem diamonds, uranium, gold, and silver among other base metals.

Tourism in Namibia for wildlife safaris, extreme sports and beach resorts has seen an increase of air traffic to this airport mainly fed through Capetown or Johannesburg.  Air Namibia was based at this airport until it ceased operations in 2021 due to initial financial difficulties compounded by the pandemic.  Other airlines began flying in to pick up the slack, and now the airport sees flights from Europe (primarily Germany), as well as flights from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Qatar.  Windhoek also serves as a mid-point for flights originating in South Africa wanting to refuel before flying to the new airport on the very remote island of Saint Helena.

Expansion plans are in the works for a longer runway to allow larger wide body aircraft.  A new air traffic tower is already built.  Planning for a new passenger terminal began in 2019.  The terminal is expected to handle increased capacity of passengers expected into 2030.