Africa-Press – Namibia. Staff Reporter
HOSEA Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport have both achieved re-certification with an 83% Effective Implementation score, reaffirming that Namibia’s two main gateways meet the stringent safety, technical and operational standards required by national aviation regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The Namibia Airports Company said the renewed aerodrome certificates, issued on 5 December and valid until 6 December 2027, mark a major milestone for aviation safety and national development.
The NAC described the achievement as a significant endorsement of Namibia’s commitment to maintaining safe, reliable and internationally compliant airport operations. “Maintaining aerodrome certificates is a continuous commitment to raising the bar in safety and operational standards,” NAC CEO Bisey Uirab said. He noted that the re-certification supports the country’s broader economic ambitions by reinforcing confidence in its aviation infrastructure.
Aerodrome re-certification is a rigorous process that requires sustained investment in personnel, systems and infrastructure. It includes upskilling technical staff, continuous maintenance and upgrades, and strict adherence to safety management principles. Under Namibia’s Civil Aviation Regulations (Parts 139 and 140), the process consists of five phases, beginning with flight and environmental impact assessments to ensure compliance with the Environmental Management Act.
In the second phase, airports must submit an Aerodrome Manual outlining all facilities, infrastructure and operational procedures. Once the manual is approved by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority, an organisational audit is conducted to verify that the NAC has the capacity, management systems and resources required for safe operations.
Phase three involves a comprehensive on-site inspection, where the NCAA evaluates airport operations across 17 key areas, including the Safety Management System, emergency planning, runway safety, fire and rescue services, visual aids, obstacle management, environmental controls, maintenance programmes, electrical systems, and the accuracy of published aerodrome data. The NCAA also conducts personnel interviews to confirm operational competency.
The results of these audits are consolidated to determine the overall Effective Implementation score, which forms the basis for issuing or denying an aerodrome certificate in phase four. The final phase is the publication of the certificate in the Aeronautical Information Publication.
The NAC said the re-certification of HKIA and WBIA assures airlines that Namibia’s international airports continue to provide safe and secure operating environments. It added that the achievement strengthens airline confidence, supports route retention and expansion, and enhances Namibia’s reputation as a competitive aviation destination.
The company thanked the NCAA and all stakeholders for their collaboration and reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement, forward-looking airport development and a strong safety culture across the national airport network.
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