Namibia’s major airports meet the required standards – Windhoek Observer

Niël Terblanché

In a bid to support the Namibian Government’s national development initiatives and capitalize on the various Green Hydrogen initiatives and recent oil and gas discoveries, the Namibian Airports Company has obtained the necessary certification for the country’s major airports.

According to Dan Kamati, both the Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) and the Walvis Bay International Airport (WBIA) have complied with the necessary Aerodrome Certification, and the process has been completed successfully.

Kamati said in a statement that the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued the aerodrome certificates to NAC in accordance with the provisions of the Namibia Civil Aviation Regulations (NAMCARs) Part 139 last week.

He added that the NCAA, in its report, confirmed the successful completion of the aerodrome certification process, including public consultation, evaluation of the aerodrome manual, on-site verification of facilities and equipment, as well as all findings issued and the corrective action plans (CAPs) submitted and implemented. These certificates for HKIA and WBIA are valid until December 5, 2025.

Kamati also mentioned that the Eros Airport in Windhoek and the Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport in Ondangwa are currently undergoing the aerodrome licensing process.

“Interim licenses for these airports are expected by mid-2024,” he added.

This certification is of paramount importance as it provides both the airport operator and aircraft operators with documented proof that the facilities they operate or use are safe.

It is a crucial element in managing risk and ensures the continued safety, regularity, and efficiency of aircraft operations at aerodromes, while also ensuring compliance with relevant ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices and Civil Aviation Regulations.

Kamati reiterated that the NAC is committed to improving its airport infrastructure to support the government’s national development initiatives and harness the natural resources arising from the recent oil and gas discoveries, along with various Green Hydrogen initiatives.

“We are pleased to receive these certificates and intensify our efforts, in collaboration with stakeholders, to enhance the customer experience, focusing on safety and security at our airports,” said Bisey /Uirab, the NAC’s Chief Executive Officer.