The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) says expanding Hosea Kutako International Airport’s capacity to handle the anticipated surge in flights due to the country’s growing oil and gas industry will require an investment exceeding N$3 billion.
NAC’s Chief Executive Officer Bisey /Uirab emphasised the need for substantial investment to increase capacity from the current two million to over five million people to meet anticipated demand growth.
“Presently, we see just under two million people passing through the airport every day, so there’s still considerable room for growth. However, based on our projections and estimates, we anticipate that this capacity will likely be exhausted within the next four to five years,” he explained.
The CEO noted that discussions are underway between NAC and the government, the key stakeholder, to explore expanding the airport facilities.
Furthermore, he said NAC is adopting a proactive approach to meet future growth rates while also focusing on operational efficiency.
/Uirab highlighted the importance of strategic planning in infrastructure development, emphasising the need to conduct studies to forecast demand over specific periods.
“When it comes to infrastructure development, it’s essential to conduct studies to forecast demand over specific periods, such as the next five years, 10 years, and beyond. Therefore, any capacity provisions made must align with the projected demand at the time,” he said.
Whilst acknowledging the dynamic nature of the aviation industry, /Uirab highlighted the need for continual enhancements in airport infrastructure.
“So, while initially accommodating between two to maybe five million passengers, we will continue to enhance our facilities over the years. Airport infrastructure is not a one-time construction; it’s a continual process of providing for future expansion, and that’s precisely what we’re planning for,” he said.
This comes as this year NAC has reported investments valued at over N$350 million in infrastructure developments aimed at enhancing the country’s airports’ infrastructural and service improvements.
NAC Chairperson Leake Hangala earlier said the development initiatives are particularly aimed at harnessing the opportunities presented by the recent oil and gas discovery and green hydrogen initiatives.
“The NAC is committed to improving its airport infrastructure to support the country’s national development initiatives and harness the natural resources brought about by the recent oil and gas discovery together with the green hydrogen initiatives,” he said.
Namibia is hoping that the recent energy developments will bring in increased foreign and domestic investment into the gas and oil sectors, as well as the broader economy, in the short and medium term.
The Shell and TotalEnergies discoveries have the potential to generate annual taxes and royalties of between N$60 to N$95 billion and create 3,600 jobs at the peak of production, according to the Presidency.
Furthermore, international experts such as Wood Mackenzie estimate that Namibia could receive as much as N$500 billion in foreign direct investment in this regard with an influx of passenger arrivals.
