Fly Namibia launches flights between Windhoek, Victoria Falls

FLY Namibia yesterday launched its maiden flights between Windhoek and Victoria Falls, as Government reiterated that it is pulling all stops in order to propel Victoria Falls into an unparalleled regional hub of aviation and connectivity in the region.

The airline’s 52-seater Embrayer ERJ landed at the Victoria Falls International Airport at around 11:30am to become the 11th airline servicing the facility.

The airline, has a partnership with Air Link of South Africa and will fly six times a week.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister, Joshua Sacco, who was guest of honour, said the airline had filled the gap for tourists and investors to explore the Sub Saharan region.

“This is indeed a momentous occasion, which marks the beginning of a new chapter, not only for our route network, but also those who believe in the power of connection and discovery.

“Our path is interconnected, the gap that had been left since the last direct flight between Windhoek and Victoria Falls in 2021 has now been filled by the resumption of this network today, enhancing accessibility and connecting the two economies,” he said.

“It is with this in mind that the Government of Zimbabwe is pulling all stops in order to propel Victoria Falls into becoming an unparalleled regional hub of aviation and connectivity in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (Kaza-TFCA).

“As a Ministry, we shall continue to strive to seek pathways to increase connectivity not only with the continent of Africa, but with the rest of the world, as we forge towards the realisation of the nation’s vision of becoming an empowered and prosperous middle income society by 2030,” he said.

Deputy Minister Sacco said the Government is committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of the aviation industry and liberalising air transport in keeping with the Zimbabwe is open for business philosophy.

He expressed Government’s commitment to infrastructure development through the whole of Government approach and partnerships and thanked Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, who was at the event, for passionately marketing destination Victoria Falls.

“Recognising the central location of this airport in the Southern Region, the Government has deemed it necessary to develop it as a regional tourism hub. From here, passengers can conveniently connect to any Sadc countries.

“A robust vibrant and sustainable aviation industry not only attracts investors, but also tourists to our countries thereby significantly contributing towards development of the tourism and hospitality industry, a significant contributor to the GDP,” said Deputy Minister Sacco.

He said the flight represents more than a mere connection, but a crucial conduit for the economic vitality of the two nations as each departure and arrival is a sign of aspirations, tourism boost and safeguarding cultural legacy.

The Deputy Minister said the Open the Skies policy being pursued by the country was opening tourism patronage and investments and translating to downstream benefits to local economies.

He commended the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe and National Handling Services for working hard.

Namibian Works and Transport Deputy Minister, Veikko Nekundi, said the route will catalyse regional tourism and add travel integration within Sadc.

He said connectivity between Windhoek and Victoria Falls was crucial as both cities have spectacular natural beauty, making them preferred destinations for adventure.

“Africa wants to fly and the introduction of this route will contribute to the achievement of Africa’s dream of harmonious regulations, collaboration between aviation authorities and operators, as well as high costs of airline tickets and airport charges. It will boost international tourism and promote transportation in Africa and opening of skies,” he said.

Minister Rwodzi said the strategic relationship with aviation ensures connectivity.

“We are very happy by this initiative as tourism and we would want to express our gratitude for the cooperation of Fly Namibia and Air Link, to link this region.

“Victoria Falls is already a hub because a number of people arriving in Victoria Falls in many aircrafts are proceeding to other destinations,” she said.

Airports Company of Zimbabwe board chair, Advocate Tichaona Muhonde, said Fly Namibia’s inclusion is a clear indicator of the potential within Zimbabwe’s tourism industry.

“We are grateful for the decision to extend services into Zimbabwe. This gathering shows how Government is committed in the development of aviation sector. Victoria Falls as a natural spectacle of the world stands as an unrivalled attraction drawing visitors globally and the airport is strategically located as a central hub in the Southern Region,” he said.

“This new link not only offers convenience for travellers, but also ignites regional economic growth, it premises to strengthen new connections, foster business and investment prospects and enhance tourism in Zimbabwe.”

The airport was recently modernised to accommodate long haul flights wide bodied aircraft and from four airlines, it now boasts of 11.

Also present at the route launch was Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo.