The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) has announced plans to construct a new passenger terminal and a second runway at the Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport as part of its five year strategic plan. Speaking in Windhoek during the handing over of two apron buses for use at the airport, Chairwoman Ms Ndeuhala Katonyala said that while the NAC is currently focussed on extending the current passenger terminal at Hosea Kutako to ease the flow of passengers, a new terminal would be required to meet anticipated long term growth.
Ms Katonyala revealed that Hosea Kutako saw a growth of 4% during the 2012/2013 financial year with 814'810 passengers handled compared to 772'000 in
the 2011/12 financial year. Aircraft
movements, too, rose 6% to 17'514 movements during the 2012/2013 financial year, compared to 16'000 previously.
According to Namibia's The Villager, the project is estimated to cost USD69million (NAD690million) based on a schematic drawn up by US firm, Louis Berger Group Incorporated, though some analysts argue that a second runway will only be needed in 2030. Ms Katonyala argued, however, that it was important to have these investments made now, “so that we are fully prepared when conditions revive for better growth in the long term”, as well as to raise the country's profile among its competing neighbours.
The most recent upgrade to Hosea Kutako International included a resurfacing of the current 4'532m-long runway 08/26 in 2010.
Ms Katonyala confirmed the master plan which, if carried out, is likely to be completed by 2023, adding that funding has yet to be sourced for the massive projects but will most likely rely on Government to foot the bill.
"It is an indication that we are well on our way to realise the government's endeavours for the aviation sector in terms of Vision 2030," she said.
During the ceremony, a copy of the NAC's strategic plan, which incorporates five long term goals including traffic concentration, stringent
infrastructure provision, operational improvements, business development
as well as organisation and communication, was handed over to Namibian Minister of Works and Transport, Erkki Nghimtina.
The NAC is currently in the process of building new passenger terminals at Ondangwa and Walvis Bay Airports. Works are also underway for a new fire station at Windhoek Eros Airport and the construction of polymer perimeter fencing at the Walvis Bay and Luderitz airports.
