Brussels Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro in 2026

Image
Brussels Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro in 2026 Brussels, Belgium – November 2025  Brussels Airlines has announced that it will launch direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania starting June 3, 2026, strengthening the connection between Europe and East Africa. The airline will operate two weekly flights, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using the Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured in three classes - Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The route will follow a triangular pattern: Brussels → Kilimanjaro → Nairobi → Brussels. About Brussels Airlines Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier of Belgium and a member of the Lufthansa Group - one of Europe’s largest airline networks. The airline is also part of the Star Alliance, giving passengers global connectivity through code-sharing and coordinated routes with other major carriers. From its hub at Brussels Airport (BRU), the airline serves more than 80 destinations across Europe, A...

Namibia Moves to Establish New National Airline, Leaves Air Namibia in the Past



Namibia Moves to Establish New National Airline, Leaves Air Namibia in the Past

Namibia is pressing ahead with plans to set up a new flag carrier, but officials have made it clear the project will not bring back the Air Namibia brand. Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi confirmed preparations are advancing, with a more detailed roadmap expected in the coming months.

“We are not reviving Air Namibia. We are reviving a national airline,” Nekundi told New Era. He stressed that the new airline will be built from scratch, with sustainability and accountability at its core.

The Fall of  Air Namibia

Air Namibia was grounded in 2021 after years of financial strain and mounting bailouts that cost taxpayers around NAD8 billion (USD453 million). The government cited mismanagement and poor oversight as the main drivers of its failure.

Officials now say those mistakes will not be repeated. Nekundi argued that sound decision-making and proper governance will be essential if the new carrier is to succeed.

Government Backing

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged full support for the airline project. Her administration has set aside NAD20 million (USD1.13 million) for a feasibility study, overseen by the transport ministry. The initiative is also part of the ruling SWAPO party’s election manifesto, signaling strong political will behind its success.

The president views a national airline as more than a prestige project. With weak transport links still hampering trade, she believes a reliable carrier could strengthen regional connectivity and ensure Namibia benefits more fully from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

A Competitive Market

For now, Namibia’s main international gateway, Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, relies heavily on foreign operators. Airlink of South Africa holds the largest share of scheduled seats and also partners with FlyNamibia, a privately-owned local carrier. Other airlines with notable presence include Germany’s Discover Airlines, South African Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines, while TAAG Angola, FlySafair, Air Botswana, and Fly Angola operate smaller services.

What's next 

Although no launch date has been confirmed, Namibia’s government is signaling intent to move carefully but decisively. The feasibility study is expected to guide the choice of name, fleet, and strategy for the carrier.

If successful, the airline could give Namibia a stronger voice in regional aviation and reduce its reliance on foreign operators.

Sources



Air Namibia Embraer ERJ 135ER

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What we Know About Flight Turbulence

Is It Safe to Fly? A Look at Recent Aviation Incidents

Pilatus Unveils it's new PC-12 Pro