As of June 1st, Air Botswana is expected to start flights between Maun and Cape Town three times a week whilst South African Airlink is on the same day expected to start a seven-days a week operation between Maun and Johannesburg.
Chris Nkwe, the Public Relations Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority, says the opening of the routes marks a milestone in the growth of the industry in the country, “which is good for the economy of the country”.
“This is a perfect indication that the industry is growing in the country and it is a welcome thing that we appreciate,” he said.
He said that statistics have shown that the Maun airport is one of the busiest airports in the region and is currently undergoing multi-million pula refurbishment and extension to meet its status. He added that CAA has made sure that it provides the airport with all the necessary facilities to suit it.
On whether they have enough trained manpower to meet the needs of their customers in Maun, he said, “We have enough trained manpower in all our airports in the country and not only in Maun.”
Maun is the country’s tourism hub and gateway to the magnificent Okavango Delta; the developments of new air routes to Maun are expected to boost tourism in the area.
Further, he said that Namibia Airways, which currently only flies to Maun, will start flying to Gaborone three times a week starting 15 May.
He pointed out that this will assist those travelling between the two countries’ capital cities for business and other reasons.
Air Botswana also flies to Harare and Lusaka.
