Namibia Air has received scheduled and non-scheduled air service licences from Namibia’s Transportation Commission, clearing a major regulatory step toward the launch of the planned new national carrier. The licences, effective from 6 August and valid for five years, allow the airline to move closer to acquiring aircraft, although it still needs an Air Operator Certificate before commercial flights can begin.
The approvals were handed to Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi in Windhoek and then presented to interim board chairman Jonas Sheelongo. The airline is being positioned as Namibia’s replacement for Air Namibia, which was liquidated in 2021. Government and local reporting have targeted the first commercial flights for the first week of December 2026, subject to completion of certification and fleet acquisition.
The planned fleet comprises four Embraer ERJ145 regional jets and three Embraer E170/E175 aircraft, with an acquisition budget reported at about US$35 million. The licences cover scheduled and non-scheduled, including charter, operations for domestic, regional and international routes. Officials have framed the project around connectivity, trade, tourism and jobs as Namibia seeks to restore a flag carrier under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s directive.