Daily flights to Luanda

Air Namibia has announced an increase in the frequency of flights between Windhoek and Luanda to meet rising demand for seats on the lucrative route.
As from 06 August 2013, the national air carrier will introduce an additional flight on Tuesdays to bring to seven the total number of flights operated weekly by Air Namibia between Windhoek and Luanda. With the additional flight, operated using the Airbus A319-100 fleet, Air Namibia customers will now be able to fly between Luanda and Windhoek on any day of the week. According to spokesperson Paul Nakawa, the Windhoek Luanda route is Air Namibia’s most profitable route with an average load factor of approximately 80% per annum despite the presence of rival TAAG Angolan airlines whose daily flights combine Luanda and Lubango. Nakawa said the Windhoek Luanda route became popular when the Namibian and Angolan Governments abolished the visa requirements for nationals of each country visiting the other country. “This has resulted in Namibia being easily accessible and attractive as a destination by Angolans. We see everyday huge business transactions being concluded between Namibians and Angolans, be it for shopping, education, medical services, visiting friends and relatives, and for leisure or tourism travel. The concept of intra-Africa trade is real here,” he said. Air Namibia launched its service between Luanda and Windhoek in May 1991 with a frequency of once per week on Sundays. The operation was discontinued during 1992 due to the civil war in Angola before resuming in 1995.
Since then, the Luanda route has seen a steady growth in passenger numbers and consequently an increase in the frequency of flights. The third weekly frequency was introduced in 2007, increasing to four times a week in 2008, five times a week in 2010 and six times a week in 2012.
“We are happy to see that the once per week flight which was operated on Sundays in 1991, grew to a daily service in 21 years. The dream of a daily flight has eventually been realized,” Nakawa said.
The additional flight operates in the same time slot as the current six flights. It departs Windhoek at 08:50 and arrives in Luanda at 11:15. The return flight departs Luanda at 12:15 arriving in Windhoek at 14:35.