News

The burgeoning tourism markets in southern Africa are set to receive another boost next year when the second international airport in Namibia is opened.

Development work has been taking place at the Walvis Bay air hub since July 2005 and is expected to reach its conclusion in 2008, New Era reports.

The runway at the airport will be longer and wider by the time the upgrades are complete, a new taxiway will have been installed and a modern lighting system will be in place along the centre of the landing strip.

Such developments were necessary in order to bring Walvis Bay airport into compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation's regulations on large aircraft.

The hub will therefore be able to handle planes such as the Airbus A380, the largest passenger airliner in the world, and the Boeing 747.

Julius Ngweda, public relations officer in the ministry of works, transport and communication, told New Era: 'The added advantage of the airport is that it is practically at sea level, requiring less fuel for take-off at maximum payload.'

He added: 'Other benefits will be the export of fresh fish directly from Walvis Bay and the importation of goods for the offshore mining and exploratory drilling operations.'

International flights are currently available to Namibia's capital city Windhoek.

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