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Hosea Kutako International Airport

Coordinates: 22°29′12″S 017°27′45″E / 22.48667°S 17.46250°E / -22.48667; 17.46250
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This article is about Windhoek's primary international airport. For the smaller domestic airport, see Eros Airport.

Hosea Kutako International Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
OperatorNamibia Airports Company
Hub forFlyNamibia
Elevation AMSL5,640 ft / 1,719 m
Coordinates22°29′12″S 017°27′45″E / 22.48667°S 17.46250°E / -22.48667; 17.46250
Websiteairports.com.na
Map
WDH is located in Namibia
WDH
WDH
Location within Namibia
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
08/26 4,532 14,869 Asphalt
16/34 1,524 5,000 Asphalt
Statistics (2023)
PassengersIncrease 863,872
Reference:[1][2][3][4]
Aerial photograph of Hosea Kutako 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. From its founding in 1965 to the independence of Namibia in 1990, it was named J.G. Strijdom Airport. In 1990 the airport was renamed, in honor of Namibian national hero Hosea Kutako.

History

[edit]

The airport was opened in 1965 (59 years ago) (1965) during the era of South African administration, and was then named J.G. Strijdom Airport, after the Nationalist Prime Minister of South Africa.[5] It was renamed Hosea Kutako International Airport following independence in 1990.[6]

After Namibian Independence in March 1990,[7] the French airline, UTA (Union de Transports Aériens) included operations from Paris–Charles de Gaulle to Windhoek via Johannesburg and Gaborone.[8] 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.[9] There are around 46[10][11][12][13][14] direct flights weekly between Hosea Kutako International Airport and O. R. Tambo International Airport. Menzies Aviation, an international company registered in the UK,[15] was awarded the ground handling service operations at Hosea Kutako International Airport in November 2013.[16] However, they were evicted in August 2023 due to a long-standing legal battle with the Namibia Airports Company.[citation needed] Paragon commenced ground handling services in replacement shortly after.[17] Condor Airlines introduced flights between Frankfurt and Windhoek since November 2014.[18] Since 2016, Qatar Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines have started flying to Windhoek. Qatar Airways suspended operations to Windhoek in October, 2023.[19]Eurowings, the low-cost subsidiary of Lufthansa, commenced a bi-weekly service from Cologne/Bonn in July 2017. However, in a bid to streamline its long haul operation for the 2019-season, the airline has decided to end both the Cologne/Bonn and Munich routes to Windhoek.[20][21] In recent schedule updates however, Eurowings Discover introduced daily flights to the Namibian capital since July 2022, as well as daily doubles 3 times weekly including flights to and from Victoria Falls.[22] As of October 2017, around 315 flights depart and land at HKIA weekly.[23] In August 2017 Air Namibia was granted 5th freedom rights to operate cargo and traffic between Windhoek, Lagos, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana.[24] These destinations were cancelled by the airline in May, 2019.[25] Westair Aviation has commenced scheduled flights April 1, 2018 from Windhoek-Eros.[26] In March 2018, Ethiopian Airlines introduced Africa's first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Namibia.[27][28] Due to flight performance and headwinds, Airlink in March 2019 has decided to re-direct its technical fuel-stop in Windhoek to Walvis Bay Airport, a move which would accommodate more passengers on the final leg to Saint Helena Airport.[29] FlyWestair, a subsidiary of privately owned Westair Aviation introduced scheduled passenger flights between Windhoek and Cape Town from early March 2022.[30]

Apron view

In December 2017 Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA), Namibia's flagship airport, hosted officials from the Airport Council International (ACI) APEX partners from the Dublin Airport Authority, Airports Company South Africa, Office National des Aéroports of Morocco, Ghana Airports Company and Airports of Mauritius Company, aiming to establish commitment and ultimately confirm a declaration of ACI APEX Safety Peer-review Programme with the Namibia Airports Company (NAC).[31]

On 10 January 2018, the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority launched the implementation of Africa's first centralised aeronautical database. This technology (Africa-Aeronautical Database or A-CAD), will allow flight planners the option of operating at the press of a button by using various mobile devices and follows the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).[32] Kenya Airways in May 2021 signed an interline agreement with South African airline, Airlink, to connect passengers from Nairobi via Johannesburg and Cape Town to Windhoek.[33]

The airport handled 1,681 336 passengers in 2019.[34]

Although Hosea Kutako International Airport is the main airport for international flights to and from Namibia, few domestic flights originate at Hosea Kutako International Airport as those are predominantly handled at the smaller Windhoek Eros Airport, about 4,7 km (2,92 mi) south of Windhoek's central business district.[35] In September 2019, UPS Airlines announced that the company is adding Namibia to its global air-cargo network.[36]

The airport is operated by Namibia Airports Company.

On 11 February 2021, Air Namibia which maintained its home base and hub at the airport, ceased all operations.

In November 2021, Westair Namibia, the parent company of FlyWestair, rebranded to FlyNamibia.[37]

In October 2023 Turkish Airlines added Windhoek to their list of future African destinations.[38]South African Airways resumed its post-Covid operation between Johannesburg and Windhoek with daily doubles in December 2022.[39] The airline plans to add thrice daily flights to increase capacity between Windhoek and Johannesburg as of October 2024.[40] In late 2024 Air Botswana widens its regional capacity with flights to Windhoek from three of its main centers, Gaborone, Maun and Kasane.[41]

Facilities

[edit]
Check-in area

Though there are few services available near the field, the Sungate Namibia Business Park is being constructed just outside the airport, which will include car rental facilities, airline catering, a truck stop and bureau de change.[42] Improvements to the terminal building have been the recently refurbished duty free restaurant, TAX refund facilities and public (short and long term)[43] parking area.[44] In February 2014, Namibia Airports Company acquired 11 Merce Rhino fire vehicles, of which 2 are assigned to Hosea Kutako Airport, (a Category 9 airport).[43] This accruement exceed the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) safety standards.[45] Free WiFi is available at the duty free restaurant.[46][47]

The 214 square meters "Amushe"-business lounge was opened in September 2016, comfortably accommodating 55 passengers at a time.[48]

Expansion

[edit]
Apron view with a Eurowings Discover aircraft
Hosea Kutako International Airport apron, August 2017

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. A new traffic control tower and fire station would complete the project.[49] In November 2017, the Namibian Government and the Vice Minister of China, Qian Keming, signed an economic and technical cooperation agreement, which will see China offer around 30 million U.S. dollars for part of the N$900m/78 km dual carriageway between the airport and Windhoek.[50][51] 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.[52] In September 2019, a local building contractor, Nexus Building Contractor, initiated the Congestion Alleviation project. This N$250 million project targets to double the handling capacity to accommodate increased passenger numbers up until 2030. The project also includes the construction of a new arrival hall, expansion of the current departure hall, and increasing the security screening points.[53]

Airlines and destinations

[edit]

The following airlines operate regular scheduled services at the airport:

Passenger

[edit]
AirlinesDestinations
Air Botswana Gaborone,[54] Kasane,[54] Maun[54]
Airlink Cape Town, Johannesburg–O. R. Tambo[55]
Discover Airlines Frankfurt,1[21] Munich (begins 1 April 2025)[56]
Seasonal: Victoria Falls[21][57]
Ethiopian Airlines Addis Ababa
FlyNamibia Cape Town, Victoria Falls,[55] Walvis Bay[58]
Seasonal: Katima Mulilo,[59] Maun[60]
FlyNamibia Safari Etosha,[61] Mokuti Lodge,[61] Swakopmund,[61] Sossusvlei,[62][63] Twyfelfontein[61]
FlySafair Cape Town[64]
South African Airways Johannesburg–O. R. Tambo[65]
TAAG Angola Airlines Luanda

^1 Some Discover Airlines flights operate between Windhoek and Victoria Falls. The airline has full traffic rights to transport passengers between Windhoek and Victoria Falls.

Cargo

[edit]
AirlinesDestinations
Airlink Cargo[66] Johannesburg–O. R. Tambo
BidAir Cargo[67] Johannesburg–O. R. Tambo
Ethiopian Cargo[68] Addis Ababa
Lufthansa Cargo[69] Frankfurt

Statistics

[edit]
Annual passenger traffic at WDH airport. See Wikidata query.

Ground transportation

[edit]

The airport operates shuttle services into Windhoek.[70]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Tourist Statistical Report" (PDF). Republic of Namibia, Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 January 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Namibia Tourist Statistical Report 2022" (PDF). www.meft.gov.na.
  3. ^ "Namibia: MEFT-Tourist Statistical Report 2022 new design" (PDF). meft.gov.na. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  4. ^ travelandtourworld.com. 24 July 2024 https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/namibia-is-surging-the-tourism-industry-with-new-visa-free-travel-policy-for-53-countries-including-brazil-uk-and-schengen-nations/22-July-2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help),
  5. ^ Standard encyclopaedia of Southern Africa. Vol. 10. NASOU. 174. p. 202. ISBN 9780625003266.
  6. ^ Giorgio Miescher; Lorena Rizzo; Jeremy Silvester (2009). Posters in Action: Visuality in the Making of an African Nation. Basler Afrika Bibliographien. p. 133. ISBN 9783905758092.
  7. ^ "History of Namibia | Colonialism, German Colonialism, Independence, & Facts | Britannica".
  8. ^ "UTA Destinations 1989".
  9. ^ "UAE investors want direct flights to Namibia". The Namibian. Archived from the original on 3 October 2015. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  10. ^ "Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map". Flightradar24.
  11. ^ "Real Time Flight Status at Windhoek (WDH Airport)". FlightStats.com. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  12. ^ "Air Namibia Time Table" (PDF). Air Namibia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 April 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  13. ^ "Emirates Introduces Airbus to Southern Africa". All Africa News. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  14. ^ "Ethiopian Airlines and SAA expands codeshare partnership for Windhoek". An Africa Business Community – Africa Travel – Tourism. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
  15. ^ © Menzies Aviation plc. Company Number: 02961404. Registered Office: 2 World Business Centre Heathrow, Newall Road, London Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, TW6 2SF.
  16. ^ "Menzies Wins Ground Handling License In Namibia". www.AviationPros.com. November 2013.
  17. ^ "Namibia Airports Company - Paragon Aviation commences ground-handling at HKIA". www.airports.com.na. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  18. ^ "Condor launches Windhoek-Frankfurt flights". News24. 13 February 2014.
  19. ^ https://www.instagram.com/thebrieflive/p/CyS4K6Gs0Et/
  20. ^ "Route network - Discover - Eurowings". www.eurowings.com. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  21. ^ a b c "Eurowings outlines new S18 long-haul routes". Routesonline. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  22. ^ https://www.eurowings.com/en/information/destinations-routes.html [bare URL]
  23. ^ "South African Airways SA 8131 Flight Tracker". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  24. ^ "Lagos, Accra on Air Nam radar - Local News". Namibian Sun. 23 August 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  25. ^ "Air Namibia cancels Lagos / Accra service from late-May 2019". Routesonline.
  26. ^ "Airlineroute :: Routesonline". www.routesonline.com. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  27. ^ "Flightradar24.com - Live flight tracker!". Flightradar24. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  28. ^ "Press Release Details - Ethiopian Airlines". www.ethiopianairlines.com. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  29. ^ "Airlink Announces Johannesburg to St. Helena Service Update". 5 March 2019.
  30. ^ "Westair Aviation - As of March, Flynamibia will be flying between Windhoek Int. and Cape Town 6 days a week! Have you made your 2022 travel plans yet? Visit the website to book your flight tickets: www.flynamibia.com.na #flynamibia #travel #capetown #airline #aviation #aviationdaily #aviationlovers | Facebook". www.facebook.com.
  31. ^ "Namibia Airports Company prepares for 2018 security audit | New Era Newspaper Namibia". Newera.com.na. 18 December 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2018.[permanent dead link]
  32. ^ "No more manual flight plan filing". The Namibian. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  33. ^ "Namibia: Kenya Airways Connects to Windhoek Through Interline Agreement with Airlink". New Era. 10 May 2021.
  34. ^ "Namibia sees almost double-digit growth". 23 August 2023.
  35. ^ "Distance Between Windhoek Windhoek Namibia and Eros Airport (ERS) Namibia". disween.com. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  36. ^ "UPS expands express services ahead of Expo 2020". www.stattimes.com. Archived from the original on 27 September 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  37. ^ "FlyWestair rebrands as FlyNamibia".
  38. ^ "Turkish Airlines to offer passenger flights to Namibia soon".
  39. ^ "South African Airways (SAA) introduces new routes just in time for the festive season. | News | Breaking Travel News".
  40. ^ https://www.observer24.com.na/saa-adds-more-flights-between-johannesburg-and-windhoek/
  41. ^ https://airbotswana.co.bw/
  42. ^ "Sungate Namibia - Hangula Estates". hangula.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  43. ^ a b "Namibia Airports Company". www.airports.com.na. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  44. ^ "Hosea Kutako International Airport Windhoek". Routesonline. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  45. ^ "Namibia Airports Company puts safety first". Traveller24. 13 February 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  46. ^ "Hosea Kutako International Airport — Wifi — App in the Air". Appintheair.mobi. Archived from the original on 27 September 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  47. ^ "This map reveals Wi-Fi passwords at airports around the world". The Independent. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  48. ^ "Namibia Launch New Business Lounge". menziesaviation.com. Archived from the original on 21 August 2018. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  49. ^ "Project | New Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek, Namib". www.l2b.o.za. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  50. ^ "N$900m road works start despite cash and water crunch". The Namibian. Archived from the original on 1 September 2017. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  51. ^ "Chinese funds to boost infrastructure development, wildlife protection in Namibia - Xinhua | English.news.cn". News.xinhuanet.com. 16 November 2017. Archived from the original on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  52. ^ "Namibian international airport to get expanded as traffic volumes soar - Xinhua | English.news.cn". www.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  53. ^ "Hosea Kutako International Airport upgrade set to ease congestion – Construction to commence next week | Namibia Economist".
  54. ^ a b c "Air Botswana Network Expansion From Sep 2024". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  55. ^ a b "Fly Namibia to start operating the Windhoek – Victoria Falls route next year – Windhoek Observer". 22 November 2023.
  56. ^ "Discover Airlines Resumes Munich Long-Haul in NS25". AeroRoutes. 4 June 2024. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  57. ^ "Discover Airlines Expands Munich Hub with New Direct Flights to Orlando, Calgary, and Windhoek - Travel and Tour World". 4 June 2024.
  58. ^ "All airlines flying from Hosea Kutako, Windhoek to Walvis Bay".
  59. ^ "FlyNamibia boosts Zambezi Region tourism with flight route shift and enhanced connectivity | Namibia Economist".
  60. ^ "FlyNamibia Adds Windhoek – Maun in 3Q24". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  61. ^ a b c d "FlyNamibia". Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  62. ^ "FlyNamibia". Archived from the original on 24 February 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  63. ^ "Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map".
  64. ^ "FlySafair to launch Windhoek flights". 2 September 2024.
  65. ^ https://www.flysaa.com/flights-%7C to-windhoek
  66. ^ "AAV News in Brief 6 September 2021". 4 September 2021.
  67. ^ bidaircargo.com - Network retrieved 6 February 2021
  68. ^ "ET3876 schedule. (Ethiopian Airlines flight: Windhoek -> Addis Ababa)".
  69. ^ "Our stations - Lufthansa Cargo". lufthansa-cargo.com.
  70. ^ "Hosea Kutako Airport Shuttle". Windhoek Airport Shuttle. Archived from the original on 23 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
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