Namibia to offer second international hub

African country Namibia will be more easily accessible for worldwide tourists from next year when a new international airport is opened, according to reports.

Development work has been carried out on Walvis Bay airport since July 2005 to upgrade it to the point that it can handle international traffic.

By the time the modifications are complete the hub will have a newly enlarged runway, an updated lighting system and a new taxiway among other changes, New Era reports.

These adjustments will allow the airport to receive international flights and handle large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380.

Julius Ngweda, public relations officer in the ministry of works, transport and communication, told New Era that the changes will have a number of benefits, including the potential to export fresh fish directly from Walvis Bay.

"The added advantage of the airport is that it is practically at sea level, requiring less fuel for take-off at maximum payload," he commented.

As well as offering an additional boost to tourism, the improved airport is also set to create more jobs for local people.

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