Windhoek
February 2016 is the new completion date set for the Walvis Bay International Airport as runway and apron rehabilitations, as well as the new state-of-the-art terminal building takes shape.
Earlier this year the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) indicated that the upgrading and rehabilitation works at Walvis Bay International Airport were due for completion in December 2015.
However, due to technical processes and changes to the work programme it is now earmarked for completion in the first quarter of 2016. Work at Walvis Bay International Airport includes the runway with a project value of N$220 million and the rehabilitation of the apron (N$16 million), which is being facilitated by the Ministry of Works and Transport, whilst NAC is managing the construction of the passenger terminal building, valued at N$95 million.
NAC is also constructing a polymer perimeter fence, valued at N$48 million, the first of its kind in Namibia, due to the weather conditions at the coast.
Apart from the upgrades, NAC is installing highly advanced x-ray scanners and metal detectors, in line with its strategic goal of providing safe and secure airports.
Upgrades, supported by timely maintenance programmes will soon be implemented, as the NAC is putting systems in place to achieve most of these goals. With over 4 639 aircraft and more than 89 707 passengers annually, Walvis Bay International Airport handles daily flights to Windhoek, Johannesburg and Cape Town, and is primed to become a leader in cargo handling for marine, coastal and mining industries in the area.