Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss has launched direct flights between Windhoek and Zurich, strengthening air connectivity between Namibia and Europe and expanding access to the wider Lufthansa Group network.
The inaugural flight, WK83, departed Hosea Kutako International Airport on Monday evening with 253 passengers on board.
A ceremony was held before departure to mark the launch of the new route, attended by Edelweiss Chief Executive Officer Bernd Bauer, Swiss Ambassador to Namibia Mirko Manzoni and Lufthansa Group Account Manager for Namibia Renette Scholtz.
The new service will initially operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays using the Airbus A350, the newest long-haul aircraft in the Edelweiss fleet. From mid-July until the end of October 2026, flights will increase to three times a week, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“Zurich is located in the heart of Europe and offers excellent connections to all major cities on the continent. Zurich Airport is one of the most modern airports in Europe and impresses with short and comfortable transfer routes. As part of the SWISS hub system, our guests also benefit from optimal connections across the entire Lufthansa Group network,” Bauer said.
The airline said the Airbus A350 offers improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions and enhanced passenger comfort compared to older aircraft types.
Edelweiss also announced plans to introduce a new cabin product across its Airbus A350 fleet from 2027, including upgraded seats in all travel classes, an enhanced Premium Economy offering, redesigned interiors and onboard internet connectivity.
The launch further expands Lufthansa Group’s presence in the Namibian market. In addition to the new Zurich service, Discover Airlines currently operates daily direct flights between Windhoek and Frankfurt, as well as three weekly flights to Munich.
The Lufthansa Group now offers a total of 13 weekly non-stop flights from Windhoek to its European hubs in Zurich, Frankfurt and Munich.
The new route is expected to support tourism, business travel and trade links between Namibia, Switzerland and the broader European market.
