The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) has announced the successful re-certification of Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport, both achieving an 83% Effective Implementation (EI) score following audits conducted by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The aerodrome certificates were issued on 5 December 2025 and remain valid until 6 December 2027.
The NCAA confirmed that both airports continue to meet the safety, operational and technical requirements set out in the Namibia Civil Aviation Regulations (NAMCARs Parts 139 and 140), and remain aligned with the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
NAC Chief Executive Officer Bisey Uirab described the achievement as a significant milestone. “Maintaining aerodrome certificates is a continuous commitment to raising the bar in safety and operational standards. This achievement reaffirms our dedication to upholding global aviation standards and supports Namibia’s vision of enabling economic development through safe and reliable air transport infrastructure,” he said.
The re-certification process is extensive and requires investment in infrastructure, systems and skills. NAC said this includes upskilling maintenance and operational staff, continuous infrastructure upgrades and fostering a strong organisational safety culture.
To secure certification, airports must advance through a multi-phase process. In Phase 1, the aerodrome undergoes flight and environmental impact assessments to verify the performance of navigational aids, flight procedures and environmental compliance. In Phase 2, the airport submits an Aerodrome Manual detailing its facilities, systems and operational procedures. Once approved, the NCAA conducts an organisational audit to assess whether NAC has sufficient structure, competence and resources to ensure safe and compliant operations.
Phase 3 involves on-site inspections across 17 key audit areas, including safety management, emergency planning, fire and rescue services, runway and apron conditions, visual aids, obstacle control, environmental risk management, aerodrome maintenance, data integrity and electrical systems. Inspectors also verify personnel competence and confirm implementation of all required systems and safety measures.
After consolidating the audit results, the NCAA determines whether the airport meets the criteria for certification (Phase 4) before publishing the aerodrome certificate in the Aeronautical Information Publication (Phase 5).
NAC said the re-certification assures both domestic and international airlines that HKIA and WBIA continue to operate safely and efficiently. The approval strengthens airline confidence and supports route retention and expansion, reinforcing Namibia’s competitiveness as an aviation destination.
Uirab said the achievement reflects strong collaboration between NAC, the NCAA and aviation stakeholders, adding that the company remains committed to continuous improvement, long-term airport development and maintaining a robust safety culture across all operations.
