Swakop airport to be developed
To remain in existing location
The Swakopmund municipality has invited bids for the upgrading of the town's airport.
The Swakopmund municipal council plans to upgrade the Municipal Aerodrome so that it can accommodate more, and larger, aircraft for private and commercial purposes.
The council recently approval the plan to upgrade the aerodrome to a Category C airport, bringing it in line with the Namibia Civil Aviation Act (NCAA) and amended regulations.
The development will include a new terminal building, runway and control tower, the relocation of the jet fuel facility, and new access roads.
A Category C airport allows for larger aircraft, increased cargo and more passengers – all of which will increase the municipality’s income through enhanced provision of services.
The aerodrome to date has mostly catered to small charter flights, emergency flights, sight-seeing flights, conservation monitoring and skydiving.
The initial plan was to relocate the aerodrome because the current location might limit expansion.
Specialists were appointed to evaluate the situation and it was found that the aerodrome should remain where it is, but should be upgraded and redesigned to meet international standards. This would improve operations and enhance licensing, the specialists found.
Until it is licensed, the aerodrome is permitted to operate but is not classified as a registered aerodrome by the NCAA.
The council has invited expressions of interest in the project. The bidding process will be concluded at the end of June.
The council recently approval the plan to upgrade the aerodrome to a Category C airport, bringing it in line with the Namibia Civil Aviation Act (NCAA) and amended regulations.
The development will include a new terminal building, runway and control tower, the relocation of the jet fuel facility, and new access roads.
A Category C airport allows for larger aircraft, increased cargo and more passengers – all of which will increase the municipality’s income through enhanced provision of services.
The aerodrome to date has mostly catered to small charter flights, emergency flights, sight-seeing flights, conservation monitoring and skydiving.
The initial plan was to relocate the aerodrome because the current location might limit expansion.
Specialists were appointed to evaluate the situation and it was found that the aerodrome should remain where it is, but should be upgraded and redesigned to meet international standards. This would improve operations and enhance licensing, the specialists found.
Until it is licensed, the aerodrome is permitted to operate but is not classified as a registered aerodrome by the NCAA.
The council has invited expressions of interest in the project. The bidding process will be concluded at the end of June.
Comments
Jochen Sell
A major airport is a mere 30km away. Why such a huge investment