Windhoek — "The reason for suspension is because our accounts are in arrears. We owe them money however we made a partial payment today", was part of the blatantly honest and direct response from Air Namibia as it staved off a suspension by the Airports Company of South Africa on Wednesday. The suspension could have had devastating consequences for already cash-strapped Air Namibia because it meant that the national airline would not have been able to service its most lucrative route, to King Shaka Airport in Durban, as well as its regular flights to OR Tambo in Johannesburg and to Cape Town International Airport.
However, the fact that Air Namibia was able to act fast to secure flights to regional economic powerhouse, South Africa, speaks volumes, particularly on the importance of maintaining an air link with the Namibia's southern neighbour.
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