FlySafair rides on success of Windhoek - Cape Town route
To the skies
Affordable fares and strong demand drive tourism and connectivity between Namibia and South Africa.
Ogone Tlhage
FlySafair says the launch of scheduled air services between Windhoek and Cape Town has been a success and could open the door to further growth opportunities for the low-cost carrier.
Reflecting on the launch, FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon said the new route, introduced in October 2024, had been well received by the travelling public. “We are pleased with the performance of our Cape Town–Windhoek route. It appears to have been well received by the market. The overall capacity available on this route now seems to be somewhat above 2019 levels, which is great to see,” Gordon said.
He praised the supportive approach of Namibian aviation authorities, noting that launching scheduled services between Namibia and South Africa had been relatively straightforward for the airline. “Entry into the Namibian market was fairly straightforward for us. There were no real challenges in establishing operations in the region or in activating ticket sales.”
Gordon added that he believed the route would contribute to boosting tourism in both countries.
“We hope that our contribution to connectivity between Windhoek and Cape Town is adding real value to tourism in each region. We have certainly received positive feedback that affordable fares are allowing more people to travel between the cities. The wider impact is probably best measured and shared by the Namibian Tourism Board, but our understanding is that the effect has been positive,” he said.
Market evaluation
He would not be drawn on whether FlySafair is considering expanding services in Namibia, such as Johannesburg–Windhoek, Johannesburg–Walvis Bay or Cape Town–Walvis Bay, saying only that the market is being evaluated.
“We continue to assess the market to determine the viability of expanded operations into Namibia. Having already established operations in Windhoek lowers the barriers to adding more services there. At present, we are not seeing any specific viable gaps in the market that make more sense than other opportunities, but we continue to actively review expansion options.”
The airline confirmed it will operate two scheduled flights per week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, betting on the growth potential of a route that has yet to return to pre-Covid levels.
“By offering competitive fares on this expansion of our network, we are helping to boost the travel industry in southern Africa. This route reinforces our commitment to providing safe, reliable and affordable flights for everyone. Whether for leisure, business, or family visits, we are making travel more accessible than ever,” said Gordon.
FlySafair operates over thirty Boeing 737 aircraft and plans to expand its fleet further to support its growing regional network. In addition to the new Namibia route, the airline also flies to Harare and Victoria Falls from South Africa.
FlySafair says the launch of scheduled air services between Windhoek and Cape Town has been a success and could open the door to further growth opportunities for the low-cost carrier.
Reflecting on the launch, FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon said the new route, introduced in October 2024, had been well received by the travelling public. “We are pleased with the performance of our Cape Town–Windhoek route. It appears to have been well received by the market. The overall capacity available on this route now seems to be somewhat above 2019 levels, which is great to see,” Gordon said.
He praised the supportive approach of Namibian aviation authorities, noting that launching scheduled services between Namibia and South Africa had been relatively straightforward for the airline. “Entry into the Namibian market was fairly straightforward for us. There were no real challenges in establishing operations in the region or in activating ticket sales.”
Gordon added that he believed the route would contribute to boosting tourism in both countries.
“We hope that our contribution to connectivity between Windhoek and Cape Town is adding real value to tourism in each region. We have certainly received positive feedback that affordable fares are allowing more people to travel between the cities. The wider impact is probably best measured and shared by the Namibian Tourism Board, but our understanding is that the effect has been positive,” he said.
Market evaluation
He would not be drawn on whether FlySafair is considering expanding services in Namibia, such as Johannesburg–Windhoek, Johannesburg–Walvis Bay or Cape Town–Walvis Bay, saying only that the market is being evaluated.
“We continue to assess the market to determine the viability of expanded operations into Namibia. Having already established operations in Windhoek lowers the barriers to adding more services there. At present, we are not seeing any specific viable gaps in the market that make more sense than other opportunities, but we continue to actively review expansion options.”
The airline confirmed it will operate two scheduled flights per week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, betting on the growth potential of a route that has yet to return to pre-Covid levels.
“By offering competitive fares on this expansion of our network, we are helping to boost the travel industry in southern Africa. This route reinforces our commitment to providing safe, reliable and affordable flights for everyone. Whether for leisure, business, or family visits, we are making travel more accessible than ever,” said Gordon.
FlySafair operates over thirty Boeing 737 aircraft and plans to expand its fleet further to support its growing regional network. In addition to the new Namibia route, the airline also flies to Harare and Victoria Falls from South Africa.
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