Edelweiss adds Windhoek to destinations

STAFF REPORTER
Air Connect Namibia this week annnounced the scheduled launch of a planned twice-weekly non-stop Edelweiss service between Zurich Airport and Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH starting 1 June 2026.
This landmark development is poised to be a gamechanger for Namibia’s connectivity with Europe and a major catalyst for inbound tourism, trade, and investment.

The new service, operated by Switzerland’s leading leisure airline, underscores Namibia’s growing global appeal and strategic position as a premier destination in Southern Africa. Edelweiss’ route will offer convenient access for European travellers and unlock new opportunities for Namibian businesses and tourism operators alike.

“This new route is more than a flight; it’s a new bridge between Europe and Namibia,” said Bisey /Uirab, CEO of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) and spokesperson for Air Connect Namibia. “We are thrilled to welcome Edelweiss to Namibia. This connection elevates our country’s status as a global tourism and investment destination, and we are committed to ensure the route’s long-term success.” It also reflects the power of what we can achieve through our public-private collaboration that includes NAC, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Gondwana Collection, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), the Walvis Bay Corridor Group, the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), and the City of Windhoek.

Switzerland is one of Windhoek’s largest European origin-destination (OD) markets, with an estimated 22 000 two-way international passengers in 2024 - a 7% increase on 2023. Namibia, with its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and reputation as a sustainable tourism leader, is well-positioned to become a top-tier destination for Swiss travellers. As a major European hub with world-class connectivity and a strong outbound leisure market, Zurich is an ideal gateway for expanding Europoean access to Namibia.