Proflight Zambia Launches New Lusaka-Windhoek Route to Boost Regional Ties

Proflight Zambia has launched its inaugural service between Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) and Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), establishing a key new route for Southern Africa. The inaugural flight, operated with a 50-seat Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet 200 (CRJ-200), landed in Windhoek on March 3, 2026, marking the start of a three-times-weekly service designed to enhance trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

The new route is a significant development for both nations, creating a direct air bridge that officials believe will stimulate economic growth. The service operates on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a stop in Livingstone, Zambia, a major tourism hub. This schedule facilitates connections for both business and leisure travelers, supporting what Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, described as a “strategic corridor” for regional development.

Route Significance and Market Context

The establishment of the Lusaka–Windhoek link addresses a growing market demand. According to data from the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), a state-owned enterprise operating Namibia's main airports, Zambia represents one of Windhoek's largest African origin-destination markets. In 2024, an estimated 10,000 two-way international passengers traveled between the two countries. Furthermore, passenger flow from Zambia to Windhoek saw a 14% increase in 2024, indicating a strong foundation for the new service.

This route is a key success for the Air Connect Namibia initiative, a program led by the NAC to restore and expand the nation's international air links. The initiative aims to increase the number of international destinations served by Namibian airports from 10 in 2023 to 17 by mid-2026. NAC Chief Executive Bisey /Uirab stated that the Proflight Zambia service “strengthens passenger throughput, cargo potential and overall airport utilisation” while directly supporting the goals of Air Connect Namibia.

Economic and Tourism Impact

Government officials from both countries emphasized the route's expected economic benefits. In a statement, Namibia’s Works and Transport Minister, Veikko Nekundi, highlighted the importance of air travel for the national economy. “Tourism remains one of Namibia’s economic cornerstones, contributing significantly to employment creation, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) development and foreign exchange earnings,” Nekundi said. He added that the direct flight “will stimulate multinational tourism packages, encourage longer visitor stays and attract new market segments from Zambia and beyond.”

The connection via Livingstone is particularly strategic, linking Namibia directly to the Victoria Falls region, one of Africa's premier tourist attractions. This allows for easier creation of multi-destination travel itineraries, a key trend in the post-pandemic tourism recovery. The service is also expected to facilitate faster and more efficient business travel and cargo movement, reducing logistical barriers and supporting the broader objectives of intra-African trade.

Flight Operations and Connectivity

Proflight Zambia's new service follows a consistent schedule. The flight departs Lusaka at 08:30 local time, makes a stop in Livingstone at 09:55, and arrives in Windhoek at 11:35. The return flight departs Windhoek at 12:20, landing in Livingstone at 13:55 before its final arrival in Lusaka at 15:20.

The 50-seat CRJ-200 regional jet is well-suited for the route, offering a balance of capacity and operational efficiency. The service includes onboard refreshments and provides same-day interline connections through Lusaka to Proflight's domestic network, including destinations like Ndola in Zambia's Copperbelt province. Robert Gurr, Proflight Zambia’s Regional Manager for Southern Africa, noted that the service builds a “direct bridge between two key Southern African economies” and supports greater collaboration among regional airlines and regulators.

Why This Matters

This new route is more than just an addition to an airline's schedule; it represents a tangible step toward greater economic integration in Southern Africa. By directly linking the capitals of Zambia and Namibia, the service reduces travel time and cost, fostering stronger business and tourism ties. The route's launch demonstrates the success of public-private cooperation in aviation and serves as a model for how targeted air service development can unlock regional economic potential, aligning with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

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