The Namibia Statistics Agency reports a significant rise in nationwide airport passenger traffic for March 2024.
According to the NSA, the month saw a total of 90,917 passengers, reflecting an increase from 72,818 passengers in February 2024 and 77,137 passengers in March 2023.
The composite passenger movement index, encompassing regional, international, and domestic arrivals and departures, surged by 24.9% in March 2024, a stark contrast to the 1.2% uptick in the previous month.
Furthermore, the index showed a year-on-year increase of 17.9%.
According to the NSA, Hosea Kutako International Airport continues to be the main contributor to passengers’ movement, accounting for the largest share of 75.7%, followed by Walvis Bay at 8.5% and Eros Airport at 8.0%.
“The Arrivals Index for Hosea Kutako Airport in March 2024 increased by 29.2% compared to the previous month, with a growth of 4.8% posted a month earlier. Additionally, the index registered an increase of 20.1% year-on-year,” said the agency.
For March 2024, NSA highlights that the number of passengers that arrived via Hosea Kutako Airport terminals increased to 36,173 passengers, from 27,997 passengers and 30,116 passengers recorded in the preceding month and the corresponding month of 2023, respectively.
At Walvis Bay Airport, the Arrivals Index surged by 25.2% compared to the previous month, with a year-on-year growth of 15.8%.
The increase saw 3,844 passengers arriving in March 2024, up from 3,070 passengers in February and 3,319 passengers in March 2023.
Departures from Walvis Bay Airport also saw a notable rise of 13.6% month-on-month and 12.5% year-on-year.
In March 2024, NSA said 3,853 passengers departed from the airport, compared to 3,391 passengers in February and 3,425 passengers in March 2023.
Similarly, at Eros Airport, arrivals remained stable in March 2024 compared to the previous month, with 3,488 passengers arriving.
However, departures increased by 1.4% from February to March.
Year-on-year figures for Eros showed a decline in arrivals but an increase in departures.
The NSA report indicates a positive trend in travel activity, with both airports experiencing growth in passenger movement, reflecting a potential rebound in the aviation sector.
