Windhoek's International Airport to get third terminal

No, this is not a case of confusion with Frankfurt Airport (FRA). This is indeed about the airport of Windhoek (WDH), Namibia's capital. Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) is set to have a third terminal, reports The Namibian.

The leading Namibian daily newspaper cited Bisey Uirab, CEO of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC). According to the report, NAC is planning an expansion of the airport with a budget of four to five billion Namibian dollars. This equates to 206 to 258 million euros (amount at current exchange rate; 1 N$ = 1 ZAR).

The project is currently still in the 'study' phase, Uirab told The Namibian. However: "Namibia prepares for increased passenger and industrial activity." According to growth forecasts, the current infrastructure could reach its limits by 2029 or 2030.

The international airport of Windhoek has indeed registered a significant increase in passengers in recent years. The annual increase of more than ten percent has also been considered a success of the 'Air Connect Namibia' initiative. This initiative promotes Namibia as a flight destination to airlines (see report on Namibian.org).

NAC invests in modernisation

In a news story on the NAC website, Uriab refers to his company's Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP). It covers the years 2026 to 2031. Key pillars of the strategy are the modernisation and expansion of airport facilities and infrastructure. This includes terminals and runways.

NAC aims to improve airport operations, optimise passenger handling and increase overall service quality. The ISBP will prioritise intelligent technologies and digital systems.

The Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, had previously described aviation as a central component of Namibia's development strategy. Investments are also being made in radar, air traffic control and navigation systems.

The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is planning to add a third terminal for daily flight operations to Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) near Windhoek by 2030, in addition to Terminal 1 (for state guests, rear left) and Terminal 2.  Photo: Sven-Eric Stender