Also known as: the liquidated Air Namibia · AirNam
Air Namibia — defunct national airline placed into voluntary liquidation in February 2021; succeeded by proposed Namibia Air carrier targeting launch in late 2026.
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Windhoek Observer
Air Namibia had liabilities of close to N$5.4 billion at liquidation in 2021
“At the time of its liquidation in 2021, the airline's liabilities were reported to be close to N$5.4 billion, with the government also having faced significant guaranteed debt and aircraft-related obligations.”
IPC demands works ED’s recusal from Namibia Air talksThe Namibian
Air Namibia stopped operating in February 2021
“The liquidators winding up the affairs of Air Namibia after it stopped operating in February 2021 have won a Supreme Court appeal about severance pay-outs that have to be made to former employees of the airline.”
AirNam liquidators win appeal about pay-outs to airline’s ex-employeesWindhoek Observer
Air Namibia experienced failure attributed to political interference, weak governance, and commercial decisions
“This is perhaps the greatest lesson from the demise of Air Namibia.”
The blessing and curse of a national airlineInformanté
Air Namibia suffered financial collapse and eventual closure
“It said the consultations are intended to prevent the mistakes that contributed to the financial collapse and eventual closure of Air Namibia from being repeated.”
Ministry rejects leaked Namibia Air documentWindhoek Observer
Air Namibia collapsed due to structural weaknesses, political interference, financial losses and operating costs
“The collapse of Air Namibia should have taught us that national ownership alone does not guarantee national success. For years, Air Namibia was treated not merely as an airline but as an instrument of national pride. Yet pride could not overcome structural weaknesses, political interference, financial losses and the enormous costs associated with operating an airline.”
Namibia Air must learn to fly before it insists on flying aloneThe Namibian
Air Namibia is a case where government failed and private sector took over aviation sector
“Air Namibia is one such case. To keep Namibia's aviation sector afloat, the private sector took over the space.”
Netumbonomics: SOEs, Government and Productive OutcomesThe Namibian
Air Namibia had accumulated N$350 million in debt by 2001
“Air Namibia had just run up what was then a shocking N$350 million in debt following a major management reshuffle, and the government was preparing the first of what would become many multimillion-dollar rescue packages.”
Air Namibia’s Ghost Haunts New National Carrier After 25 YearsThe Namibian
Air Namibia was liquidated with liabilities of N$5.4 billion and cumulative bailout bill of N$8-9 billion
“When the axe fell in February 2021, the airline had liabilities of close to N$5.4 billion and barely N$1 billion in assets. By the time of liquidation, the cumulative bailout bill was between N$8 billion and N$9 billion by the government's own figures.”
Air Namibia’s Ghost Haunts New National Carrier After 25 YearsThe Namibian
Air Namibia ceased operations and was liquidated in 2021
“The previous national airline, Air Namibia, ceased operations and was liquidated in 2021, after recording financial losses that cost the government billions of Namibia dollars.”
No appointments made for Namibia Air yet – ministryNew Era
Air Namibia collapsed five years ago
“Five years after the collapse of Air Namibia, Namibia's aviation ambitions have gone into overdrive.”
Namibia Air takes offThe Independent Patriots for Change have called for Jonas Sheelongo, executive director in the ministry of works and transport, to be removed from all negotiations and planning structures involved in establishing Namibia's proposed new national airline, citing concerns about his record at Air Namibia.
22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Independent Patriots for Change have called for Jonas Sheelongo, executive director in the ministry of works and transport, to be removed from all negotiations and planning structures involved in establishing Namibia's proposed new national airline, citing concerns about his record at Air Namibia.
22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Supreme Court has ordered Air Namibia's liquidators to recalculate amounts owed to 81 former employees for accumulated leave, annual bonuses, severance pay, and notice period pay, and to pay the difference between recalculated amounts and payments already made in December 2022. The court upheld the liquidators' appeal regarding the interpretation of "remuneration" under employment agreements.
7 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Supreme Court ruled that former Air Namibia employees' remuneration for severance purposes includes only basic salaries and housing and transport allowances, reversing a High Court decision that had also included pension contributions, medical aid and social security. The liquidators must recalculate amounts owed for leave, bonuses, severance and notice period pay based on this narrower definition.
4 September 2026 · The Namibian →
An editorial argues that Namibia's proposed national airline must balance legitimate demands of sovereignty against the reality that expertise cannot be manufactured overnight. The piece notes that discussions with Ethiopian Airlines and other stakeholders are continuing with no binding agreement concluded, and emphasises that Namibian expertise and national interests must remain central to the chosen model.
4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Works and Transport has rejected a leaked document circulating about Namibia Air's engagement with Ethiopian Airlines, stating it is not official or authorised and does not reflect any concluded agreement. The Ministry said discussions with Ethiopian Airlines and other stakeholders remain ongoing as Government assesses viable models for operationalising the proposed national airline.
2 September 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines on strategic and technical cooperation to restart a national airline, while stressing that no binding commitments have been made and that Namibian expertise and national interests remain central. The ministry is consulting with local aviation operators to avoid the mistakes that led to Air Namibia's financial collapse.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The ministry of works and transport has distanced itself from a leaked document about proposed engagements between Namibia and Ethiopian Airlines over establishing a new national carrier, saying it does not recognise the document as an official or accurate reflection of its positions. The ministry confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines are continuing alongside consultations with local aviation operators and other stakeholders.
2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A Windhoek Observer columnist argues that while Namibia must retain strategic control of its national airline, it should not refuse assistance from Ethiopian Airlines—which has built Africa's strongest aviation operation—simply on grounds of sovereignty. The piece contends that commercial sustainability requires learning from experienced partners in aircraft procurement, fleet management, training, and operations.
1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Ethiopian Airlines has indicated that management control would be a condition for any equity partnership with Namibia's planned national airline, Namibia Air. The revelation raises concerns over aviation sovereignty and the financial viability of the carrier, which the government aims to launch in December 2026.
1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The administration is ramping up efforts to help government and state-owned enterprises realise their potential, with SOEs now required to rigorously account for and deliver productive outcomes after receiving treasury bail-outs and support with little strategic oversight. The government is particularly betting on mining and agriculture sectors to boost state revenue.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A 2001 analysis predicted Air Namibia would collapse without addressing underlying problems rather than applying temporary fixes; after the airline's liquidation and 25 years later, the author revisits the warning as Namibia Air takes shape. The piece applies systems-thinking theory to argue that repeated government bailouts masked structural failures rather than solving them.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Air has been granted approval to operate scheduled and unscheduled air services by transport commissioner Joshua Kaumbi, with licences valid for five years from 6 August 2026. The airline still requires an Air Operator Certificate before commercial operations can begin, with the government targeting the first week of December for initial flights.
7 August 2026 · New Era →
The Independent Patriots for Change has raised concerns over Namibia Air's five-year Air Operating Licence, warning that the approval does not guarantee the airline's readiness to commence commercial operations. IPC shadow minister Nelson Kalangula cautioned against repeating failures of the former national carrier Air Namibia, questioning the government's timeline to launch commercial flights in December and distinguishing between an Air Operating Licence and an Air Operator Certificate.
7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia Air has received its Air Operating Licenses, effective from 6 August and valid for five years. The airline's first flight is scheduled for the first week of December, with the next stage being acquisition of an Air Operator Certificate.
6 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Works and Transport says no executive or leadership appointments have been made for the planned national airline Namibia Air, dismissing reports linking individuals to top positions. The ministry said a technical committee was established in 2025 to prepare for the airline's creation, but no formal vacancies exist and candidates will go through normal government recruitment and vetting processes when the airline is ready to recruit.
25 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has called for an urgent review of senior appointments in the public sector, alleging that the government continues to appoint or retain officials previously implicated in forensic investigations and disciplinary proceedings. The party says this practice of "recycling of failure"—transferring or promoting officials accused of misconduct rather than holding them accountable—is eroding accountability and weakening state institutions.
24 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Five years after Air Namibia's collapse, Namibia Air has filed aviation licence applications to operate passenger and cargo services domestically, regionally and internationally, with the government aiming to launch the fully operational joint airline with Botswana by the end of 2026 and Ethiopian Airlines as the strategic operating partner.
22 July 2026 · New Era →
Namibia Air (Pty) Ltd has proposed one-way ticket prices below N$2,000 on regional routes, with Windhoek-Johannesburg flights estimated at N$1,881.88 and Windhoek-Cape Town at approximately N$1,939.08, excluding airport taxes and security charges. The carrier is seeking Transport Commission approval to operate scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services, with actual fares to vary by demand, booking periods, and operational factors under a dynamic pricing model.
22 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government, through Namibia Air, is planning to acquire seven aircraft valued at N$594 million to launch the new airline by late 2026, following Air Namibia's liquidation. The airline has applied for licenses to operate scheduled and charter flights domestically, regionally, and internationally.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian government has budgeted about N$20 million for a feasibility study to revive Air Namibia, which was placed into voluntary liquidation in February 2021 due to debts exceeding N$5 billion. Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi told Parliament that the study has been completed and is under review, conducted by an inter-ministerial team of experts with aviation, legal, and economic expertise.
8 June 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia and Botswana plan to launch a joint national airline by the end of this year, with Ethiopian Airlines as a strategic partner. The airline aims to create roughly 700 direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs, starting with domestic routes before expanding to regional and international markets.
8 May 2026 · New Era →
Activists and analysts warn that the government's plan to launch a state-owned airline for N$3 billion is a risky use of public funds that should instead go to water infrastructure and essential services. They cite the previous airline's collapse, which cost over N$8 billion in subsidies, and note that private operators already serve many routes.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has invited industry stakeholders to help shape the return of the Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs), which have been dormant since MTC withdrew funding in 2020. A stakeholder engagement session is scheduled for 14 March to strengthen the awards' credibility and gather input on award categories, industry development needs, and future direction.
10 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Nearly five years after Air Namibia's liquidation, former employees have petitioned the Supreme Court for an expedited hearing in a dispute over unpaid severance payments. Although a High Court ruling previously ordered the recalculation and payment of severance packages, the liquidators have appealed that order, leaving many employees still awaiting payment.
19 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Former employees of Air Namibia, liquidated in 2021, have petitioned the Supreme Court to either expedite or dismiss an appeal by liquidators challenging a High Court order to pay outstanding severance entitlements. The 637 employees, who received only half their severance in 2021, won a High Court case in 2024 ordering full recalculation and payment, but liquidators appealed the decision.
18 February 2026 · New Era →
David Bruni, a prominent liquidator known for handling high-profile cases including Air Namibia's liquidation and the SME Bank closure, has died aged 76. He is survived by his wife Gisela, three children, and two grandchildren.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
David Bruni, a prominent Namibian liquidator known for handling major cases including the Air Namibia liquidation, SME Bank closure, and Fishrot-related asset curatorship, has died aged 76. He is survived by his wife Gisela, three children and two grandchildren.
6 February 2026 · The Namibian →