Four international airlines have expressed an interest in turning Walvis Bay Airport into the Dakar of southern Africa. Top officials say they have been inundated with calls since the commencement of an extension programme at the airport. The airport is being upgraded to match international requirements and will feature a runway that is longer than that at Hosea Kutako International Airport.

“Three international passenger airlines have already expressed their interest, with the possibility of a fourth,” spokesperson for the Namibia Airport Company (NAC), Mia Davids, told the Economist this week.
No formal agreement has been signed yet.
She said the four airlines will also cater for smaller belly cargo consignments and will link the airport with all continents. “Several cargo airlines and agents have also expressed interest in the upgraded airport for both point-to-point and possible hub operations,” she said.
In 2006 the NAC told the Economist that the airport is ideal as a refuelling destination for flights between southern Africa and North America. Currently, direct flights from southern Africa to the USA stop over in Dakar, Senegal, for refuelling before embarking on the final leg a cross the ocean.
The airport is being expanded with financial assistance, about N$320 million, from the Spanish government. The airstrip is being extended from 30 to about 60 metres wide and the length is being extended from 2.5 to 3.5 kilometres. This will enable it to accommodate bigger and larger cargo planes such as Boeing 747s.