Edelweiss is further expanding its long-haul network and will launch a new direct flight connection to Namibia's capital, Windhoek, starting in summer 2026. This strategic expansion consolidates the airline's position as a major provider of leisure flights to attractive destinations worldwide.
Flights to Windhoek will operate non-stop from Zurich every Monday and Friday from June 1 to the end of October 2026. Edelweiss will operate the state-of-the-art Airbus A350, known for its comfortable and quiet travel experience. With Namibia as a new destination, Edelweiss is expanding its offering in Southern Africa to a total of four destinations, responding to the growing demand for experiences in this fascinating region.
Namibia: A land of contrasts and endless expanses
Namibia is considered one of the most impressive travel destinations in southern Africa, offering fascinating contrasts and unforgettable natural experiences. Spectacular tours through the country, known for its unique geography, can be embarked upon from the charming capital, Windhoek. The diversity of landscapes is virtually limitless: These include the iconic, endless dune landscapes of the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world and offering breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Etosha National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves, attracts travelers with its unique wildlife, where elephants, rhinos, lions, and a variety of antelope species can be observed at the waterholes.
The rugged coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, known as the Skeleton Coast, offers a dramatic panorama of fog, shipwrecks, and seal colonies. The interior, on the other hand, captivates with its breathtaking expanse, characterized by vast high plateaus and expansive savannahs. Namibia also fascinates with its biodiversity, its pristine nature, and the exceptional hospitality of its people. The destination is ideal for both self-drive adventures, which offer the freedom to explore the country at your own pace, and guided tours through one of the oldest landscapes on earth, whose geological formations date back millions of years. This combination of nature, wildlife, and cultural encounters makes Namibia a desirable destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Expansion of long-haul services in southern Africa
The new connection to Windhoek is an important step in the strategic expansion of Edelweiss' long-haul network. It complements the existing flights to Southern Africa and increases the number of destinations in this region to four. In South Africa, Edelweiss continues to fly to Cape Town, one of Africa's most popular cities, known for Table Mountain and its picturesque landscapes. In Tanzania, the airline continues to serve Kilimanjaro, the starting point for trekking tours on Africa’s highest mountain, and Zanzibar., an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, known for its spice farms and historic Stone Town.
The addition of Windhoek, Namibia, signals Edelweiss' confidence in the region's tourism potential and its ability to successfully develop new markets. For Swiss travelers, this means an even wider selection of direct flights to attractive long-haul destinations, simplifying vacation planning and reducing travel time. Flights to Windhoek are now bookable via the website flyedelweiss.com and all usual sales channels, allowing customers to plan their trips well in advance.
Summer flight schedule 2026: Variety on short and long-haul routes
Edelweiss' 2026 summer flight schedule, which is already available for booking, features several new features and adjustments that further diversify the extensive offering:
In addition to the new Windhoek connection, further optimizations will be made on the long-haul route. The season after Cape Town will be extended, with flights until the beginning of June and a return as early as the beginning of September. This allows travelers to visit the popular South African metropolis even during the transition months. The connection to Columbo to Sri Lanka will continue from the winter flight schedule until the end of May, which will expand the range of long-haul flights available in spring. Halifax in Canada, which has only been part of the Edelweiss offer since summer 2025, will be served from mid-May 2026, indicating a positive response and growing demand for this North American destination. Flights to Vancouver on the west coast of Canada will start from the beginning of April, which will significantly extend the summer season for this destination. Tampa Bay in Florida, a popular destination for beach vacationers and families, will be increased to four weekly flights during the Swiss spring break to meet the increased demand during this peak season.
Edelweiss' short-haul offering remains diverse and will continue in summer 2026. All destinations served in summer 2025, including the newly added destinations Tbilisi in Georgia, Bristol in Great Britain, Terceira in the Azores, Zadar in Croatia and Calvi to Corsica, will be back in the program next summer. This wide range of short- and medium-haul destinations underscores Edelweiss' commitment to offering a diverse selection of European holiday destinations, offering both cultural experiences and beach holidays and adventures.
According to Edelweiss, further frequency increases and adjustments are being planned and will be communicated in the coming months. This indicates that the airline is continuously driving forward its expansion and the optimization of its flight schedule to meet the needs of its customers and strengthen its market position.
Edelweiss Air: A Lufthansa subsidiary with its own character
Edelweiss Air is the leading Swiss leisure airline and a sister company of Swiss International Air Lines, which in turn is part of the Lufthansa Group. Although part of a large airline group, Edelweiss operates with an independent character and focuses on the leisure flight market. This allows the airline to respond flexibly to demand for leisure travel and develop a tailor-made offering that differs from that of scheduled airlines.
The decision to launch the new Namibia route with the Airbus A350 The opportunity to serve these destinations underscores Edelweiss' commitment to offering its passengers a modern and comfortable travel experience. The Airbus A350 is considered one of the most modern and quietest long-haul aircraft on the market. Its spacious interior, advanced cabin systems, and a quieter cabin environment contribute significantly to travel comfort on long flights. Investing in such aircraft reflects the company's commitment to improving the customer experience and distinguishing itself from the competition among leisure airlines.
Continuous network expansion and fleet modernization are crucial for the success of leisure airlines in an increasingly competitive market environment. By focusing on attractive holiday destinations and providing a high standard of service, Edelweiss can consolidate its position as the preferred provider for Swiss travelers and expand its market share. The new connections and the adjustments to the flight schedule for summer 2026 are clear indicators of a dynamic growth strategy.
Edelweiss on course for expansion
The announcement of new direct flights to Windhoek starting in 2026 is a clear sign of Edelweiss' expansion strategy. With a growing fleet of modern aircraft and a strategic expansion of its offerings to sought-after holiday destinations, the Swiss airline is strengthening its position in the global travel market.
The connection to Namibia offers Swiss travelers a fascinating new way to explore Southern Africa and underscores Edelweiss' commitment to offering its customers a wide range of high-quality flight experiences. The continuous adjustment and expansion of the flight schedule also demonstrates the airline's flexibility in responding to market demands and continuously optimizing its operations. For both the travel agency industry and travelers, this represents a welcome addition to the offering for the coming years.