Namibian Government has once again directed all government officials to use the services of the national carrier, Air Namibia when travelling on official business.

This decision was reaffirmed by Cabinet this week when ministers approved the five-year strategic plan of the national airline.

“Cabinet reaffirmed the implementation of its decision, which compels all government officials travelling on government air tickets, and state-owned enterprises, to make use of Air Namibia's services,” a media statement issued by the information ministry said.

Although the decision forcing government officials to use the national airline has been known, several state officials have been disregarding it. Namibian Sun reported in 2013 that the ministry of works was aware that there were state officials who were ignoring the Cabinet directive.

According to that report, the works ministry was informed that people complained that Air Namibia's fares were higher than those of foreign airlines, while their poor services did not justify the high prices.

Air Namibia's strategic plan will run from this year to 2020.

Cabinet also directed institutions such as the ministries of environment, industrialisation, the Namibia Tourism Board and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support and collaborate with Air Namibia to develop new routes.