Aviation Safety at Risk: Addressing the Airspace Downgrade at Walvis Bay International Airport
The sudden issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) downgrading the airspace at Walvis Bay International Airport (FYWB) to Class G uncontrolled airspace marks a major operational setback for our aviation sector. While visual operations are possible during clear conditions, forcing an international airport into uncontrolled airspace degrades safety margins, particularly during adverse coastal fog.
Class G status strips away mandatory Air Traffic Control separation services, leaving commercial flight crews to rely on self-sequencing in volatile coastal weather. This follows delays in Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) that recently forced commercial aircraft to divert 400 kilometres inland to Windhoek, imposing unnecessary costs on airlines and disrupting passenger schedules.
This incident highlights structural shortages of certified Air Traffic Control Officers, qualified Meteorological Officers, or failing infrastructure within the NCAA.
The IPC calls on the Minister of Works and Transport to:
Publish a full accountability report on the operational and staffing deficiencies.
Deploy qualified ATC personnel to restore controlled airspace status immediately.
Guarantee continuous real-time weather monitoring and TAF transmissions.
Present a comprehensive air navigation recovery plan to Parliament.
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