Proflight Zambia this week embarked on its maiden landing at Hosea Kutako International Airport.
The flight landed on Tuesday to much fanfare as tourism and aviation stakeholders witnessed the arrival of new opportunities between Namibia and Zambia.
Captain Josias Walubita landed the 50-seat CRJ-200 at exactly 12h00 local time, welcomed by a traditional water salute and ceremonial ribbon cutting that also hosted Chief Mukuni of the Leya people from the Livingstone area, who was among the various dignitaries, as well as Jenelly Matundu, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade, officiating.
Proflight Zambia’s Windhoek service will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It will depart Lusaka at 08h30 and Livingstone at 09h55, arriving in Windhoek at 11h35. The return journey is scheduled to depart Windhoek at 12h20, land in Livingstone at 13h55, and reach Lusaka at 15h20.
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi, in his statement delivered in Matundu, underscored the importance of the new route as it delivers direct and measurable benefits to Namibia through enhanced trade facilitation, business travel efficiency, tourism inflows, investment promotion, and cargo movement. These factors have been described as critical drivers of economic growth.
“Tourism remains one of Namibia’s economic cornerstones, contributing significantly to employment creation, SME development, and foreign exchange earnings. This route will stimulate multinational tourism packages, encourage longer visitor stays, and attract new market segments from Zambia and beyond,” said Nekundi.
Nekundi added that the arrival of Proflight Zambia is both a vote of confidence in Namibia’s aviation sector and a strong endorsement of our infrastructure development trajectory.
“This celebration also underscores the importance of public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration. The success of this route reflects cooperation between governments, civil aviation authorities, tourism boards, airport operators, and airline partners”, Nekundi added.
Zambia Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali commended Proflight Zambia for its initiative to link the two countries for accelerated intra-African trade.
“By linking Lusaka, Livingstone, and Windhoek, we are creating a strategic corridor that will improve business mobility, reduce travel time, and open new opportunities for our people. I also wish to commend Proflight Zambia for its vision and confidence in our region. Your investment in this route demonstrates leadership in regional aviation and a strong belief in the potential of southern Africa,” said Tayali.
“Government values this public-private partnership and will continue to provide an enabling policy and regulatory environment to support a safe and sustainable aviation sector,” he said. Namibia Airports Company (NAC) CEO Bisey /Uirab explained that the new route carries significant operational and strategic value.
“It enhances passenger throughput, expands cargo handling potential, improves connectivity for business and leisure travellers, and strengthens the optimal utilisation of our airport infrastructure.
Most importantly, it supports our mandate of providing safe, efficient, and world-class airport operations that catalyse sustainable economic growth,” he said.
/Uirab added that the event also marked a proud achievement under the Air Connect Namibia initiative, a national collaborative platform bringing together government, regulators, tourism bodies, and the private sector to restore, grow, and sustain air connectivity. Proflight Zambia Regional Manager Southern Africa, Robert Gurr, emphasised the importance of sustainable and integrated air transport.
“At the recent Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) Annual General Assembly, leaders from across the continent highlighted the need for stronger connectivity, operational excellence, and collaboration between airlines, regulators, and governments,” he said. Gurr stated that the new route is more than just flights; it is a bridge between two vibrant economies, connecting Zambia and Namibia directly.
“Namibia is a strategic partner in Southern Africa. These routes strengthen trade, business, and cultural linkages, reducing travel time for entrepreneurs, investors, and tourists alike. By linking our nations, we open doors for cross-border commerce, regional collaboration, and shared economic growth,” Gurr said.
The new route is operated by a 50-seat CRJ-200 jet aircraft, with a cold meal and complimentary refreshments served on board. Crucially, this schedule facilitates seamless same-day connections into the broader Proflight Zambia network, most notably to Ndola in the Copperbelt.
Additionally, convenient connections are available to and from 13 interline partners at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka.
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