blue sunny sky

Windhoek (Namibia) ↔ Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Windhoek (Namibia) ↔ Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Route Status: Underserved
Route Type: Intra-African international
Region: Southern–West Africa

1. Demand & Passenger Traffic

Current demand (2024): ~19,000 passengers/year
Past demand (2022): ~18,103 passengers
Forecast demand (2026): ~19,966 passengers
Annual growth rate: ~2.4% CAGR
Main traveler types: Mining executives, traders, NGO staff
Top O&D substitute cities: Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi
Total travel time saved with direct flight: 8–11 hours per trip
Average ticket cost (2024): $900–1,150 round trip

2. Revenue Projections

Estimated average yield: ~$237 per passenger
Estimated annual route revenue: ~$4.5 million
Potential net revenue after ops costs: ~$850,000–1.3 million
Pricing advantage: Shorter and simpler than current 2+ stop options
Seat load target: 60–65%

3. Economic Justification

Abidjan: Regional financial and trading center
Windhoek: Gateway to southern mining and logistics
Both cities lack west–south direct links
Current options limited and inefficient

4. Aircraft & Operational Details

Aircraft types: A220-300, Embraer E190-E2
Flight time (direct): ~6hr 30min
Range: Within capabilities
Runway length: Meets narrow-body standards at both airports

5. Proposed Launch Strategy

Initial frequency: 2x weekly
Scaling target: 3x weekly within 12–18 months
Ideal timing: Overnight outbound from Windhoek, mid-day return
Feeder network: Connect via Johannesburg or Luanda hubs if needed

6. Strategic Value

Simplifies access between Southern and Francophone West Africa
Expands trade potential for mining, cocoa, and transport sectors
Strengthens AfCFTA-related corridor

7. Recommended Airlines

Air Côte d’Ivoire
FlyNamibia
TAAG Angola Airlines (as connector via Luanda or codeshare)