Air Nam, Westair grounded

JEMIMA BEUKES

WINDHOEK



Local airlines Air Namibia and Westair have suspended all their international, domestic and regional passenger flights.

Westair's suspension would be effective from yesterday until 18 April, said its CEO Henry Van Schalkwyk.

According to him their Cape Town flight on Sunday, 22 March was their last international flight.

“We are still doing medical evacuations and cargo flights and will still be supporting the local mines that need assistance. This decision will be reviewed as the situation changes,” he said.



Air Namibia

Air Namibia's suspension will be in effect from Friday, 27 March until 20 April 2020, including their long-haul flights that were suspended on 14 March.

This was announced in a media statement by Air Namibia spokesperson Paulus Nakawa.

“As part of the essential services, Air Namibia remains available to offer air transport through charter flights for humanitarian purposes, as well as to airlift pharmaceutical supplies and consumables, among others.

“Air Namibia has introduced flexible rebooking options for travellers who need to change their travel dates. All tickets purchased for travel up to 30 April 2020 will be offered one free change to a new travel date until 31 December 2020.”

These suspensions follow hot on the heels of travel restrictions imposed by President Hage Geingob to slow down the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.