WINDHOEK, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's private airline FlyNamibia on Thursday had to cancel all of its scheduled flights to and from the coastal town of Luderitz in southwestern Namibia due to safety concerns.
The airline cited safety concerns stemming from an unexpected mechanical issue with the fire-fighting vehicle crucial for passenger safety during airport operations. The vehicle in question is operated by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC).
"Safety remains our utmost priority at FlyNamibia, and we are committed to adhering to all safety regulations and guidelines set by the relevant authorities. According to aviation regulations, airports must have a functioning fire-fighting vehicle on standby to ensure the safety of passengers and crew in case of emergencies," the airline said in a statement.
According to the airline currently, they are working closely with the NAC to address the issue promptly.
"The NAC is actively addressing the mechanical problems with their fire-fighting vehicle, and we are optimistic that regular flight operations to and from Luderitz Airport will resume as soon as the necessary repairs are completed," they concluded.
The airline flies the route, which commenced in July last year, to connect the Eros Airport in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, to the coastal town of Luderitz, with flights every weekday from Mondays to Fridays, offering numerous opportunities for tourists.
Luderitz is known for its colonial-era architecture, rugged coastline, and Kolmanskop (the ghost town) which attracts visitors from around the globe. ■