Airlines in Namibia have been given six months to reduce domestic air fares, or face government regulation. The decision comes after the country’s transport minister, Veikko Nekundi, criticised the high cost of local flights.
The cost of air travel in Namibia
Speaking at Aviation Week Africa 2026 in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, Nekundi highlighted the extortionate cost of domestic air travel. To highlight the growing issue, he cited a recent example of a one-way fare from Windhoek to Ondangwa that exceeded 9,000 Namibian dollars (just over £400).
Nekundi also noted that flights to Cape Town in South Africa are often significantly cheaper, arguing that prices on domestic routes should not be higher the cost of international air travel. In the speech, he stated:
“You must reduce these prices. Otherwise, you will force me to amend the law and regulate fares, as we do in the taxi industry. This situation cannot continue. You must bring the prices down. Either you act, or I will be compelled to regulate. You have six months to address this issue. If nothing changes, I will intervene.”
Similar price controls are already in use in the Namibian taxi industry to ensure affordability for passengers.
A turbulent period for Namibian air travel
This decision comes during a period of significant upheaval in the Namibian aviation industry.
According to the Windhoek Observer, Namibia is also in the process of launching a new national airline, Namibia Air, before the end of the year. Operating models are being reviewed by a technical team, including potential partnerships with companies such as Ethiopian Airlines.
This follows the liquidation of Namibia’s national airline, Air Namibia, by the country’s government in 2021 after accruing 3 billion Namibian dollars (over £135 million) in debt. No launch date for the new airline has yet been set.
Nekundi has also said that Namibian government is increasing investment in aviation infrastructure, including upgrades to navigation systems and broader transport networks, in a bid to improve regional connectivity.
Have you ever flown with a Namibian airline before? Do you think this move is justified? Let us know in the comments below!
