Staff Reporter

THE Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has denied acting unreasonably or obstructively in relation to the non-issuance of an overflight and landing clearance permit to an agent for the proposed visit by American star Darren Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed.

Watkins was expected to include Namibia as part of his “Speed Does Africa” tour, a 28-day livestreaming journey; however, he could not make it after failing to obtain the required aviation permits.

Nelson Ashipala, public relations officer within the NCAA, said that in the matter currently receiving public attention, the agent submitted an application for overflight and landing clearances carrying 13 passengers and two pilots into Namibia.

“This operation exceeded the passenger threshold permitted under Government Notice No. 58 of 1998. In terms of Regulation 6 of the Notice, visiting aircraft may apply for authorisation to operate an ad hoc international air transport service where the aircraft carries no more than nine passengers or 1,000 kg of mail or cargo to or from Namibia. Such authorisation is processed through the NCAA,” Ashipala said.

He added that the Transport Commission, operating under the Ministry of Works and Transport, is entrusted with the administration of the Air Service Act of 1949. Pursuant to Section 3(1)(c) of the Act, the Commission holds the authority to grant exemptions for operations that exceed established limitations.

“Such exemptions must be obtained prior to the NCAA considering the issuance of overflight and landing clearances. In this instance, the required exemption from the Transport Commission was not obtained. Furthermore, the operator was formally advised to utilise a local licensed Namibian charter operator as an alternative, in line with the intent and application of Government Notice No. 58. This advisory was issued as a lawful and practical alternative to ensure compliance with Namibian aviation regulations. The operator, however, elected not to pursue the alternative remedial option. The NCAA rejects any implication that it acted unreasonably or obstructively in relation to the non-issuance of an overflight and landing clearance permit to the agent for the proposed visit by IShowSpeed,” Ashipala said.

He concluded that applications submitted late, incomplete, or without the requisite statutory approvals cannot be accommodated, irrespective of the nature of the flight or the profile of the operator involved.

Photo: Namibia Civil Aviation Authority

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