.. as Namibia Air gets the nod amid mixed reactions
By Stefanus Nashama
The failure of Air Namibia does not mean a new national airline is destined to fail, Transport Commission of Namibia chairperson Joshua
Kaumbi has said, defending the establishment of Namibia Air amid growing public debate.
“Having failed today does not mean we will fail tomorrow,” Kaumbi told Confidente in an exclusive interview.
Kaumbi said past mistakes should not prevent Namibia from pursuing what he described as a strategic national interest, arguing that the country needs an airline of its own to strengthen connectivity, trade and tourism.
His comments come as Namibia Air moves closer to operations after receiving its non-scheduled and scheduled air transport services licences this week, valid for five years from 6 August 2026.
The establishment of the airline has attracted mixed reactions, with some questioning whether Namibia should invest in a new carrier following the collapse of Air Namibia, which was placed into liquidation in 2021 due to years of financial challenges and state dependence.
Kaumbi said critics of Namibia Air should consider the broader national benefits of having a carrier.
“It is up to Namibia as a country to work together and support the new airline. Even competitors have realised that as a nation we cannot exist without our airline,” he said.
He further commended the 8th administration and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for reviving plans to establish a national carrier.
According to Kaumbi, Namibia Air still has five stages to complete before its first flight, which is expected before the first week of December.
He said a national airline is not only about carrying the Namibian flag but also about creating economic opportunities.
“A national carrier does more than just fly the Namibian flag. It opens routes for trade and tourism, creates jobs and connects Namibians to opportunities across the region and the world,” he said.
Kaumbi argued that Namibia should not view a national airline as impossible, pointing to smaller economies that operate carriers of their own.
“Even the smallest country in the region, Eswatini, has Air Eswatini; those countries with gross domestic product smaller than ours boast national airlines, Malawi Airlines. When we granted the licences to Namibia Air we said why not Namibia,” he said.
“It is now up to other agencies, under close supervision, to take the process forward and above normal speed. An airline of our own is something to be proud of as a nation and nation-state, and it is a trust we must all carry with the care it deserves,” Kaumbi added.
Mixed feelings
However, the move has faced criticism from some quarters, including social activist Michael Amushelelo, who questioned the establishment of a new airline while former Air Namibia employees remain unpaid following the airline’s liquidation.
“The same government that ceased the operations of Air Namibia is still the same government that is trying to bring another air-line,” Amushelelo said.
He argued that government resources should instead be directed towards pressing social needs such as schools, hospitals and improving access to basic services.
“We have so many Namibians in need of basic needs, lack of schools and hospitals with no medicine. The government should focus on more pressing needs than trying to look at things that will only benefit a few individuals,” he said.
Amushelelo also questioned how many Namibians would use the new airline, saying the country should carefully consider its priorities.
“We must think critically. We should not be more driven by what other countries are doing when we have so many issues to address,” he said.
Namibia Tourism Board chief executive officer Sebulon Chicalu welcomed the development, saying a national airline could address longstanding connectivity challenges affecting business and tourism.
“It is a welcomed development and good for us. We are looking forward to getting more details from the government concerning the establishment,” Chicalu said.
Meanwhile, Swapo parliamentarian Evilastus Kaaronda said having a national airline could improve Namibia’s global connections but cautioned that the country needs the right expertise and partnerships.
“There is a lot of market there. It is difficult to compete with other airlines that are well exposed to the market. Yes, it is long overdue, but if we are in need of certain expertise to do it the right way this time around,” Kaaronda said.
He also questioned whether Namibia had reached the right stage to operate its own airline, warning that timing and capacity would be critical.
Air Namibia was shut down and placed into liquidation on 11 February 2021 after government cited overwhelming debt and years of financial dependence. The closure left hundreds of employees without jobs, with some still awaiting outstanding payments.
At the time of going to print, Fly Namibia, expected to compete with Namibia Air, had not responded to questions sent weeks ago.
