By Staff Reporter
RUNDU, August 09 – Minister of Transport and Communications, John Mutorwa, encouraged residents of the Kavango regions to consider using air travel for long distances, such as from Windhoek to Rundu and vice versa. He highlighted that air travel is cost-effective and faster, making it an attractive option for reaching their destinations.
Minister Mutorwa conveyed this message during a consultative meeting held on Monday with the top leadership of FlyNamibia, the local airline, and regional leaders from the Kavango region.
Speaking through Nbc Rukavango services, Mutorwa elaborated that the meeting was organized in collaboration with local leadership from both Kavango regions to discuss the Eros-to-Rundu airline route, which operates three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Reports indicate that this airline route has struggled with low customer numbers, sometimes carrying only one or two passengers. The airline’s leadership even considered the possibility of closing the route due to its apparent lack of business viability.
Minister Mutorwa shared a personal example of flying from Windhoek to Rundu on June 14, 2023, using FlyNamibia, where he was the sole passenger on that particular flight.
“Even as we came today for this meeting, there were 6 of us attending, and the regular passengers were only two,” remarked the concerned transportation minister.
He further highlighted the advantages of air travel compared to driving by car, noting that driving from Windhoek to Rundu requires a significant amount of time, ranging from 6 to 9 hours, and entails fuel, food, and accommodation expenses. In contrast, air travel is swift, provides onboard meals, and ensures passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed.
Andre Compion, Managing Director of FlyNamibia, echoed the minister’s sentiments, emphasizing that air travel is optimal for business travellers. He pointed out that travelling to and from Rundu by air takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes, compared to the 9-hour road journey, with the added benefit of avoiding accommodation expenses.
Compion also expressed concerns that if the route’s business viability does not improve, there could be a potential risk of closure, particularly considering the airline’s operational costs are primarily in US dollars.
The meeting drew attendance from Kavango regional governors, local councillors, business representatives, and government department heads.- Namibia Daily News
