There was palpable excitement at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Windhoek, Namibia on Monday as the first-ever KLM flight touched down at around 12h00.

The Airbus A330-200 aircraft was carrying 243 people onboard including the Dutch Ambassador to South Africa Marisa Gerards, senior vice president Africa of Air France KLM, Frank Legre and a host of tour operators from the Netherlands and other European countries.

Welcoming the flight at the airport, Minister of Works and Transport Alpheus !Naruseb who was represented by Works and Transport permanent secretary Willem Goeieman, said the flight arrival further cements ties between the two countries.

“Namibia and the Netherlands have had cordial diplomatic relations since 1990 that were transformed over the years to focus on strengthening trade, economic and investments ties.

“Air connectivity can only enhance our attractiveness as a global city and truly transform Namibia as an international business center and logistic hub in pursuit of the Harambee Prosperity Plan and National Development Goals,” he said.

KLM is the third international airline to launch flights to Windhoek in less than two months. Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines had earlier launched flights to Windhoek on September 28 and on October 6 respectively.