Air Namibia
Namibia’s former state-owned scheduled flag carrier, once linking Windhoek with domestic, regional and European destinations before ceasing operations in 2021.
About Air Namibia
Air Namibia was Namibia’s state-owned flag carrier and operated scheduled passenger services under the SW airline code. Its origins extended to South West Air Transport, founded in 1946, while the Air Namibia identity was adopted in 1991 following the country’s independence. Wholly owned by the Namibian government, the airline ceased operations in February 2021 after a prolonged period of financial difficulty and subsequently entered liquidation.
Windhoek was the airline’s primary hub and the centre of a network comprising 31 routes to 17 destinations across eight countries. Services linked Namibia with cities in southern and western Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Maun, Victoria Falls, Gaborone, Harare, Lusaka, Luanda and Accra. Domestic flying included destinations such as Lüderitz, while Frankfurt provided the carrier’s principal long-haul connection to Europe.
Aircraft types used during Air Namibia’s operating history included the Airbus A319 and A340-300, Boeing 737-500, and Embraer ERJ-135, ERJ-140 and ERJ-145 regional jets. Narrow-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft served regional sectors, while Embraer jets were suited to thinner domestic and short-haul routes. The long-haul fleet offered Business Class and Economy Class, although cabin layouts, baggage rules and onboard service varied by aircraft and period.
Air Namibia was not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, although it maintained commercial partnerships that supported some connecting journeys. Its frequent-flyer programme was Reward$, through which members could formerly earn and redeem mileage. Neither the airline nor the programme remains active, so former benefits, balances and status privileges cannot be assumed to have any present value or recognition with other carriers.
The airline’s principal strength was the connectivity it provided between Namibia’s domestic airports, neighbouring African markets and Frankfurt. Its relatively small fleet and network, however, left fewer alternatives when schedules were disrupted, while persistent losses placed a substantial burden on its government owner. Air Namibia’s closure means its former route information is now historical, and travellers should verify that any contemporary search result is operated and ticketed by an active airline.
Good to know
Flying with Air Namibia — what to expect
Airline No Longer Operates
Air Namibia ceased operations in February 2021 and does not sell or operate flights. Treat any website presenting an Air Namibia service as currently bookable with caution.
Two Windhoek Airports
The airline historically used Hosea Kutako International Airport for major regional and international services, while some domestic operations used Eros Airport. These are separate airports in the Windhoek area.
Historical Baggage Rules
Air Namibia’s former baggage allowances varied by fare, cabin and route. Travellers using replacement carriers must follow the baggage policy of the airline operating their current flight.
Reward$ Is Inactive
Reward$ was Air Namibia’s loyalty programme, but it is no longer active. Former members should not expect to earn, redeem or transfer Reward$ mileage.
Check Operating Carrier
Other airlines continue to connect Namibia with domestic, African and intercontinental destinations. Confirm the operating carrier, departure airport and connection requirements before purchasing a ticket.
Network overview
Where Air Namibia flies
Air Namibia operates 31 routes to 17 destinations across 8 countries, its longest sector reaching Frankfurt to Windhoek (8,113 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Air Namibia flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Frankfurt → Windhoek
8,113 km · FRA → WDH
The longest sector in the Air Namibia network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Air Namibia
Notable destinations on Air Namibia's network.
SWWindhoekdirectSWMaundirectSWVictoria FallsdirectSWAccradirectSWCape TowndirectSWFrankfurtdirectSWGaboronedirectSWHararedirectSWJohannesburgdirectSWLuandadirectSWLuderitzdirectSWLusakadirectDestination list is indicative of Air Namibia's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Namibia
Other airlines based in Namibia
FAQ
Air Namibia — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Air Namibia served exactly 17 destinations across eight countries on a network of 31 routes. These services ended when the airline ceased operations in 2021.
- Air Namibia no longer operates flights. Its network served destinations including Windhoek, Maun, Victoria Falls, Accra, Cape Town, Frankfurt, Gaborone, Harare, Johannesburg, Luanda, Luderitz and Lusaka.
- Air Namibia tickets are no longer available because the airline ceased operations in 2021. For flights to Namibia on other carriers, booking early and avoiding major holidays and peak tourism periods may provide better fares.
- Air Namibia’s longest route was Frankfurt to Windhoek, about 8,113 km nonstop. The service is historical and is no longer operated by Air Namibia.
- Air Namibia’s primary hub was Windhoek, principally at Hosea Kutako International Airport for regional and international flights. Some domestic services also operated from Eros Airport.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because Air Namibia no longer operates, current results may show flights to Namibia provided by other airlines.
- Windhoek was Air Namibia’s busiest departure hub, followed by Maun, Victoria Falls, Accra and Cape Town in terms of routes. The airline no longer has any active departures.
- Air Namibia has no current carry-on allowance because it no longer operates. Its historical restrictions varied by route and cabin, so passengers should instead check the published limits of their current operating carrier.