From the Garden Route to Kruger National Park: New direct flights launch in November 2026

Travellers planning a Garden Route trip followed by a safari in the Kruger National Park will soon have a more convenient option. From 16 November 2026, Airlink will operate the first scheduled direct flights between Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP).

The new service will operate three times a week, linking Gqeberha with the airport serving Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), the Kruger National Park and surrounding private game reserves.

Bookings for the new route are already open.

Direct flights between Gqeberha and Kruger Mpumalanga

Airlink will operate the new route on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, using a 44-seat Embraer ERJ140.

The schedule from 16 November 2026 is:

• Mon, Wed, Fri    Gqeberha (PLZ) – Mbombela (MQP)    11:30 > 13:20
• Mon, Wed, Fri    Mbombela (MQP) – Gqeberha (PLZ)    13:55 > 15:35

The flight time is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes in each direction.

As with Airlink's other flights, the ERJ140 has only window and aisle seats, so passengers will not have to contend with a middle seat.

A useful new link for Kruger travellers

For visitors travelling between the Eastern Cape and the Kruger National Park, the new service could make a noticeable difference to travel time and convenience.

Until now, flying between Gqeberha and the Kruger region has generally meant connecting elsewhere, most notably in Johannesburg. A direct flight removes that additional connection and makes it considerably easier to combine a Gqeberha, Sunshine Coast or Garden Route itinerary with a Kruger safari.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) is particularly convenient for travellers heading to Mbombela, the southern and central Kruger National Park and private game reserves in Mpumalanga.

The route could therefore be particularly useful for international visitors putting together a multi-stop South African itinerary, as well as domestic travellers combining a coastal holiday with a safari.

What travellers should know

The three-weekly schedule is not a daily service, so travellers will need to plan their itinerary around the Monday, Wednesday and Friday operating days.

The new route also gives travellers another option when planning a trip between the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga without having to build a Johannesburg connection into their itinerary.

 

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Flying from South Africa to Doha: What Airlink’s Qatar Airways partnership means for travellers

Airlink is expanding its partnership with Qatar Airways, giving travellers in South Africa a new way to book flights to Doha and onward destinations from 31 August 2026.

Under the expanded codeshare agreement, Airlink will place its 4Z flight code on Qatar Airways-operated services to Doha. The initial routes are:

• Johannesburg – Doha: twice daily
• Cape Town – Doha: 10 flights per week
• Durban – Doha: daily, via Maputo

The flights are operated by Qatar Airways using Airbus A350 aircraft.

For travellers, the main benefit is access to Qatar Airways' extensive international network via Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha. This creates additional options for connecting from South Africa to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

The partnership is an extension of the existing relationship between the two airlines. Qatar Airways already codeshares on Airlink's domestic and regional flights, while Qatar Airways acquired a 25% stake in Airlink in 2024.

Airlink and Qatar Airways also have a frequent-flyer partnership. Eligible Airlink Skybucks members can earn and redeem Skybucks, while Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can earn and redeem Avios on eligible flights operated by either airline.

More Qatar Airways destinations are expected to be added to the Airlink codeshare in the coming months.

The codeshare flights are available for travel from 31 August 2026 through Airlink's booking channels.

For travellers, the expansion is worth checking when comparing international flights from South Africa, particularly if Doha offers a convenient connection to your final destination.

 

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Airlink launches Lanseria–Harare flights from November 2026

Travellers heading to Zimbabwe will soon have another way to reach Harare. From 15 November 2026, South African regional airline Airlink will introduce a new scheduled service between Lanseria International Airport (HLA), northwest of Johannesburg, and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare.

The route is particularly significant because it will be the first-ever scheduled airline service between Lanseria and Zimbabwe's capital, giving passengers an alternative to departing from the busier O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).

Flight schedule

Airlink will operate the route three times a week using a 98-seat Embraer E190 aircraft, featuring 6 Business Class and 92 Economy Class seats

• Monday, Thursday, Saturday: Lanseria 07:00 > 08:40 Harare
• Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: Harare 17:45 > 19:25 Lanseria

The Embraer E190 offers a comfortable cabin layout with no middle seats, meaning every passenger enjoys either a window or aisle seat.

Why this new route matters

Johannesburg–Harare is one of Southern Africa's busiest international air routes, carrying substantial business, family and leisure travel throughout the year.

Until now, scheduled flights between the two cities have operated exclusively from O.R. Tambo International Airport. The addition of Lanseria gives travellers more flexibility when choosing departure airports and could prove particularly useful for those based closer to Johannesburg's western suburbs.

For visitors exploring Zimbabwe, Harare is often the starting point for journeys to destinations such as Mana Pools National Park, Eastern Highlands, Lake Kariba or the Great Zimbabwe ruins, while many travellers also continue onwards to Victoria Falls by domestic flight or road.

Bookings now open

Tickets for the new Lanseria–Harare service are already on sale, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 15 November 2026.

Whether you're starting a Zimbabwe self-drive adventure, heading to Victoria Falls via Harare, or combining South Africa and Zimbabwe in one itinerary, the new Lanseria service adds another convenient air connection for exploring Southern Africa.

 

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New Route: Airlink announces Cape Town to Mauritius direct flights

South African regional carrier Airlink has announced the introduction of twice-weekly direct flights between Cape Town and Mauritius.

Effective 02 October 2026, the route will mark Airlink’s first service between the Mother City and the Indian Ocean island.

The airline will deploy its new Embraer E195-E2 flagship aircraft on the service. The modern regional jet is configured to accommodate 124 passengers, divided into two classes:

• Business Class: 12 seats
• Economy Class: 112 seats

A notable feature of Airlink's fleet configuration is the 2-2 cabin layout. There are no middle seats on the aircraft, ensuring all passengers are seated at either a window or an aisle.

Schedule and bookings

While the exact flight days and departure times are still being finalized, Airlink states that the schedule is being designed to avoid disruptive pre-dawn or late-night departures, ensuring convenient daylight travel times for both holidaymakers and business travelers.

Bookings for the new route are now open.

 

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Airlink launches first-ever non-stop Cape Town to Zanzibar flights from October 2026

Travellers heading from the Western Cape to the beaches of Zanzibar will soon be able to skip the Johannesburg connection entirely, with Airlink announcing the launch of the first-ever non-stop flights between Cape Town and Zanzibar from October 2026.

Bookings are now officially open for the new weekly service, which will connect Cape Town directly with the popular Indian Ocean island destination of Zanzibar in just over six hours.

The new route further strengthens Airlink’s growing East African network and follows the airline’s upcoming Johannesburg–Zanzibar service, scheduled to commence on 03 June 2026.

For travellers flying from Cape Town, the new direct service removes the need for a Johannesburg connection, making Zanzibar even more accessible for beach holidays, honeymoons, diving adventures and tropical island escapes.

Airlink confirmed that passengers already booked on Cape Town–Johannesburg–Zanzibar itineraries will be able to switch to the new direct flight at no additional cost, regardless of fare class, provided the booking remains within the same cabin category.

Flight Schedule: Cape Town – Zanzibar

The seasonal weekly flights will operate every Saturday from 03 October 2026 according to the following schedule:

• Cape Town 08:15 > 14:30 Zanzibar
• Zanzibar 15:30 > 20:50 Cape Town

The route will be operated using Airlink’s brand-new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, the airline’s flagship jet type. The modern aircraft accommodates 124 passengers in a two-class configuration and features only aisle and window seats — meaning there are no middle seats onboard.

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St Helena Airport regains full operations as flights resume from 17 February 2026

last updated 26 February 2026

The St Helena Government (SHG) just posted the following on facebook: "SHG is pleased to confirm that the major incident regarding airport operations has now been stood down. This follows the return of all three airport fire tenders to full operational status and successful flights to and from St Helena, Ascension and South Africa this week. Normal operations have now resumed." 

last updated 19 February 2026

Following the successful repatriation of all passengers affected by the recent airport closure, the St Helena Government (SHG) has announced that Airlink have reopened bookings to and from St Helena via their website. As all previously affected travellers have now been accommodated, SHG has limited spare seats available for the upcoming flight on Saturday, 21 February 2026. 

last updated 18 February 2026 

The St Helena Government (SHG) has confirmed that in close liaison with South African regional airline Airlink, an early flight window to Ascension Island has been agreed.  This arrangement will support those whose travel plans were disrupted by the recent closure, including passengers awaiting onward connections to the Falkland Islands via Ascension.
The flight scheduled for Tuesday, 24 February 2026, will arrive and depart for Ascension Island on the same day. A return flight from Ascension will then arrive in St Helena on 25 February 2026, before departing onward to Johannesburg.  

last updated 17 February 2026  

Following the restoration of Category 6 status at St Helena Airport, the first scheduled Airlink flight has successfully landed, bringing back all waiting residents and half of the stranded tourists. An urgent medical patient was also transported, avoiding a separate medevac. The remaining tourist backlog is expected to clear with Saturday’s flight. Bookings for future flights are now open, and work is underway with Ascension Island Government to schedule flights to Ascension Island. Spare parts for fire tender R2 were delivered, with full operational capability expected later this week. Daily updates will end, with key messages shared as needed. 

last updated 17 February 2026 

After a short period of disruption, commercial air travel to St Helena is back on track. Authorities have confirmed that St Helena Airport has regained Category 6 firefighting accreditation, allowing full air operations and scheduled flights to resume.

This update is especially important for travellers planning trips to the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena, where air access is the primary gateway for tourism and essential travel.

Firefighting accreditation restored

On 15 February 2026, airport authorities confirmed that Category 6 accreditation has been reinstated following extensive technical work on the airport’s rescue and firefighting fleet.

The milestone was achieved through the efforts of airport mechanics supported by specialist engineers from Marcé. Full commissioning tests were successfully completed using fire tender R1, which will operate alongside R3 and the St Helena Fire and Rescue Service.

The results were reviewed and accepted by the independent regulator Air Safety Support International (ASSI), clearing the airport to resume normal commercial operations.

Repairs to the R2 fire tender are continuing, but officials confirmed this does not affect the newly restored accreditation. Longer-term fleet replacement options are being explored with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to strengthen future resilience.

First flights resume with limited passenger availability

The first scheduled flight to St Helena operated by Airlink is planned for today (17 February 2026), subject to favourable weather conditions.

However, travellers should note an important limitation:

• No tickets will be sold for the 17 February 2026 flight or the 21 February 2026 service.
• Passengers who already hold bookings for these flights should travel as planned.
• Remaining seats will be used primarily for repatriation passengers, allocated based on the length of travel delays.
• Travellers should not contact the airline or the airport directly - updates will be provided by Solomon & Company (St Helena).

When normal bookings reopen

For travellers planning future trips to St Helena, there is positive news:

• New bookings will reopen from Tuesday, 24 February 2026 onwards.
• Ticket sales are expected to resume soon once the backlog of delayed passengers has been cleared.

This timeline marks the return of reliable air access to one of the world’s most remote destinations.

What this means for travellers

The restoration of firefighting capability removes the last operational barrier to regular flights. For visitors, this means:

• Travel planning to St Helena can resume with confidence
• Tourism recovery on the island can restart
• Future flight schedules should stabilise in the coming weeks

If St Helena has been on your bucket list, the window to plan new trips is reopening - just be prepared for short-term booking pressure as demand returns.

Travel tip: Once bookings reopen, expect limited seat availability initially. Early planning and flexibility will be key for securing flights to the island.

 

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St Helena Travel Update: Flights cancelled after airport safety downgrade

last updated 13 February 2026

A flight chartered by the St Helena Government (SHG) arrived in St Helena yesterday afternoon (12 February). This flight is instrumental in SHG's recovery efforts, bringing the necessary spare parts, tools and oil in addition to two specialist engineers to begin immediate work on St Helena Airport's fire tenders.

Repair work will now commence, with teams working additional shifts. However, repairs are complex and may still take a number of days. Once reassembled SHG will be able to test the tenders to ensure they meet the necessary criteria to return us to Category 6 capability.  

last updated 10 February 2026

St Helena Government has confirmed continued progress towards restoring commercial air services to the island.
St Helena Airport  is currently operating at Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Category 4, allowing medevac flights and small executive jets to land. This ensures the island retains a vital air link for medical evacuations, technical teams and the delivery of specialised spare parts.
However, this category is not sufficient for Airlink’s commercial passenger flights, which remain suspended. Importantly, the airline is cancelling flights on a rolling basis rather than indefinitely, indicating that restoration work is actively underway.
Replacement parts for the airport’s fire-fighting equipment are already en route from Germany and expected to arrive soon. Installation, reassembly and testing will take several days. At the same time, authorities are exploring the procurement of new fire appliances, potentially with UK Government support, to restore the airport to Category 6 status required for normal airline operations.
For travellers, the key takeaway remains: commercial flights have not yet resumed, but technical and operational solutions are in progress and officials are working to return the airport to full service as quickly as possible.    

last updated: 09 February 2026

St Helena Airport has received regulatory approval from Airport Safety Support International (ASSI) to operate at Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Category 4.

This allows smaller aircraft operations, including medical evacuation flights and aircraft carrying essential spare parts and technical personnel. The upgrade was achieved with support from the St Helena Government Fire and Rescue Service and additional staff training.

Commercial Airlink flights are still not permitted, as the airport remains below the category required for scheduled passenger jet operations.

This approval is an important interim step toward restoring full air connectivity to St Helena. 

Travellers planning to visit St Helena in the coming weeks should be aware of an important aviation update affecting access to the island.

-------------

St Helena Airport unable to operate normal flights
St. Helena Government has announced that St Helena Airport is currently unable to operate as normal following technical assessments. The aviation regulator is expected to confirm that the airport must be downgraded from Fire Category 6, due to insufficient confidence in the operational readiness of the airport’s fire tenders.

Fire category ratings are fixed international safety requirements. Without Category 6 status, the airport cannot safely support standard commercial flight operations.

Airlink flights suspended until at least 20 February
For travellers, the most immediate impact is clear:

• Airlink will not operate flights to St Helena
• All flights are expected to be cancelled until at least 20 February 2026
• Future flights remain under review until a confirmed restart date is possible

St. Helena Government is also working to confirm whether medical evacuation flights will be affected.

What this means for travellers
This temporary suspension affects:

• Travellers with upcoming bookings to St Helena
• Visitors planning to travel to the island
• Residents needing off-island travel
• Businesses and tourism operators expecting visitors

St. Helena Government acknowledges the disruption and is working closely with Airlink, Solomon & Company, and other partners to provide clear guidance and timely updates.

Restoration of flight operations remains the priority
St. Helena Government is urgently assessing all available solutions to restore normal airport operations. Safety remains the top priority, and no aircraft will operate until the airport fully meets required safety standards for passengers, crew and staff.

Travellers planning trips to St Helena should monitor updates closely and remain flexible with travel plans while the situation develops.

Please also read: Airlink and St Helena Government announce 18-Month forward flight schedule! (11 November 2025) 

 

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Uganda Airlines & Airlink sign Interline Agreement to boost seamless tavel across Southern Africa!

Uganda Airlines, the national carrier of Uganda, has entered a new Interline agreement with South Africa’s regional airline Airlink – a strategic move that greatly expands regional connectivity across Southern Africa. The partnership links Uganda Airlines’ network with Airlink’s extensive route map via Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), offering travellers smoother, easier regional travel.

Under the agreement, passengers can now book a single ticket for seamless journeys from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe to more than 45 destinations across South Africa and the wider Southern African region. Travellers will benefit from through-check-in of baggage, simplified transfers in Johannesburg, and the convenience of one itinerary for their entire trip.

The new partnership unlocks several key advantages for travellers:

• Expanded Network Access: Direct, single-ticket access to Airlink’s broad network, including sought-after destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls, Windhoek, Gaborone, and more.
• Seamless Travel Experience: Passengers enjoy smooth connections with automatic baggage transfer between both airlines, eliminating repetitive check-ins.
• More Travel Options Across Africa: The agreement also enhances travel opportunities for Airlink customers, who can now easily connect into Uganda Airlines’ growing African network - supporting increased tourism, trade, and business travel across the continent.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening intra-African air connectivity and improving convenience for travellers exploring East and Southern Africa.

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Airlink and St Helena Government announce 18-Month forward flight schedule!

The St Helena Government (SHG) and South African regional airline Airlink have unveiled a new 18-month forward flight schedule to the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena, enhancing travel planning and connectivity for visitors and residents alike.

Airlink will continue to operate its weekly Saturday service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St Helena Airport (HLE) on St Helena, ensuring consistent access to the island. The airline will also maintain its monthly inter-island service between St Helena and Ascension Island, supporting essential regional connections.

To meet growing demand during the southern summer season, Airlink will introduce a seasonal Tuesday return service between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and St Helena from mid-December 2026 to mid-March 2027. This additional route will make it even easier for travellers to experience the island’s unspoiled beauty and rich heritage.

While the new schedule outlines services up to 18 months ahead, flights remain bookable up to 360 days in advance, in line with Airlink’s booking system. This allows travellers, tourism operators, and local businesses to plan ahead with confidence, with clear visibility of flight frequencies and timings well into 2027.

The release of this extended schedule marks a significant step in strengthening air access to one of the world’s most unique and remote destinations, providing greater flexibility for visitors and supporting sustainable growth for St Helena’s tourism industry.

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Airlink to resume Johannesburg – Maseru flights on 07 November 2025!

South African regional airline Airlink has announced that daily flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) in Maseru in Lesotho, will resume tomorrow morning (07 November 2025).

This positive development follows confirmation from Lesotho's aviation authorities that suitable fire and rescue equipment has been sourced and reinstated at Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU). The airport now meets international safety and operational standards once again, allowing commercial flights to safely return.

The reinstatement of this important regional route reconnects Lesotho and South Africa’s economic hub, reversing the temporary disruption previously reported in our blogpost “Airlink temporarily suspends Johannesburg – Maseru flights!” published earlier today, 06 November 2025. This resumption ensures smoother travel for both business and leisure passengers and underscores Airlink’s commitment to maintaining safe and reliable air connectivity across Southern Africa.

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Airlink temporarily suspends Johannesburg – Maseru flights!

South African regional carrier Airlink has temporarily suspended its daily flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) in Maseru in Lesotho, effective 05 November 2025.

According to the airline, the decision was made due to the lack of serviceable fire and rescue equipment at Maseru's international airport. This essential safety infrastructure is required under international civil aviation regulations for airports handling scheduled passenger services.

Airlink stated that normal operations will resume once the airport operator restores the required emergency response capability in line with global aviation safety standards.

Impact on travel
The temporary suspension affects both business and leisure travellers who rely on the short air link between South Africa and Lesotho. Until flights resume, travellers can reach Maseru via road connections from Bloemfontein, which remains the most practical alternative. Tour operators and travel agents are advising passengers to check flight updates directly with Airlink or through their booking channels before finalising travel plans.

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Airlink expands Mozambican network: New Johannesburg <> Nacala flights from February 2026!

South African regional airline Airlink is set to expand its footprint in Mozambique with the launch of direct flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Nacala Airport (MNC) in Nacala from 02 February 2026. The scenic coastal town of Nacala will become Airlink’s seventh destination in Mozambique, joining Maputo, Beira, Pemba, Nampula, Tete, and Vilanculos on the airline’s growing regional network.

The new Johannesburg <> Nacala route will initially operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, using Airlink’s comfortable and efficient Embraer regional jet aircraft.

Flight schedule (from 02 February 2026):

• 4Z 236: Johannesburg (JNB) 10:30 > Nacala (MNC) 13:10 (Mondays & Fridays)
• 4Z 237: Nacala (MNC) 13:45 > Johannesburg (JNB) 16:35 (Mondays & Fridays)

With the addition of Nacala, Airlink now offers 64 weekly return flights between South Africa and Mozambique, ensuring smooth connectivity between key business and leisure hubs across the region. The new service has been carefully timed to connect seamlessly with Airlink’s domestic and regional routes, as well as intercontinental flights operated by the airline’s global partners.

Passengers can look forward to Airlink’s renowned onboard service, which includes a complimentary light meal, refreshments, and the comfort of a window or aisle seat—no middle seats.

Baggage allowances:

• Discounted Economy: 20kg checked luggage
• Full-Fare Economy: 30kg checked luggage
• Sports Equipment: 15kg free allowance

With its launch of flights to Nacala, Airlink strengthens air connectivity to Mozambique's northern coast, supporting tourism and trade links between South Africa and one of Mozambique's most promising coastal destinations.

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Airlink to launch Johannesburg–Zanzibar flights in June 2026!

update (11 May 2026)

The new route between Johannesburg and Zanzibar is scheduled to launch on 03 June 2026 and will operate twice weekly.

--------------- 

South African regional airline Airlink has announced an exciting new route connecting Johannesburg to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, starting June 2026. The service will feature Airlink’s brand-new Embraer E195-E2 flagship aircraft, designed for comfort and efficiency, with seating for 136 passengers.

Passengers flying Airlink can enjoy complimentary meals and refreshments, spacious legroom, and the airline’s signature no-middle-seat cabin configuration, offering a choice of aisle or window seats. Luggage allowances are: 20kg for discounted economy tickets, 30kg for full-fare economy, plus an additional 15kg sporting equipment allowance - perfect for holidaymakers planning water sports or safaris.

Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht highlighted the strategic advantage of the route:
“Zanzibar's proximity to Johannesburg , our main hub, makes it easily accessible for customers based in Gauteng. Our schedule is designed to connect seamlessly with other Airlink flights across South Africa and the SADC region, and our partnerships with leading global airlines ensure smooth connections to destinations worldwide.”

Flight Schedule (from June 2026):

• Johannesburg > Zanzibar: Wednesdays & Sundays, 12:00 – 16:35
• Zanzibar > Johannesburg: Mondays & Thursdays, 12:00 – 14:55

Founded in 1992, Airlink is Southern Africa’s premier privately-owned regional airline. Its modern fleet of over 65 aircraft connects numerous destinations across Southern Africa, Madagascar, and St Helena, while international travel is facilitated through partnerships with trusted intercontinental airlines, including its FlyNamibia franchise.

Whether for business or leisure, Airlink’s new Johannesburg–Zanzibar route opens seamless access to one of East Africa’s most iconic island destinations.

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Airlink and Air Austral sign new partnership to boost connectivity between Southern Africa and Réunion!

South African regional airline Airlink and Air Austral, a French airline based on Réunion Island, have entered into a new Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) effective 15 October 2025. The bilateral partnership will significantly enhance regional air connectivity between Réunion Island and Southern Africa, benefiting both leisure and business travellers.

A Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) is a commercial partnership between two airlines that allows them to sell seats on each other’s flights, share revenue, and offer passengers a seamless travel experience with a single ticket, through check-in, and baggage transfer to the final destination.

Under the new agreement, Air Austral passengers can now seamlessly access Airlink’s network of 45 destinations across South Africa and the wider Southern African region. Connections are available via Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) on Air Austral’s Réunion – Johannesburg flights.

Popular onward destinations include Cape Town, Durban, Windhoek, Gaborone, Lusaka, and Victoria Falls.

In return, Airlink customers can now book single-ticket journeys to destinations across the Indian Ocean, using Air Austral’s network to reach Mauritius, Madagascar, Mayotte, the Comoros Islands, and the Seychelles.

The new partnership between Airlink and Air Austral strengthens tourism and trade ties between Réunion Island and Southern Africa, supporting regional growth and improving travel options for passengers across both networks.

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New Southern African destinations via Airlink for Emirates and Air France passengers!

South Africa's privately-owned regional airline, Airlink, is set to strengthen its position as a key regional connector with expanded codeshare partnerships with global carriers Emirates and Air France. These enhancements will significantly improve travel options for international passengers accessing remote and regional destinations across Southern Africa.
Starting 01 August 2025, Emirates will expand its successful partnership with Airlink by placing its "EK" flight code on three additional Airlink-operated routes from Johannesburg:

• Johannesburg – Beira (Mozambique)
• Johannesburg – Livingstone (Zambia)
• Johannesburg – Ndola (Zambia)

This builds on a well-established codeshare agreement that already connects Emirates passengers to over 40 cities across Southern Africa, including key domestic destinations in South Africa as well as regional hubs in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and beyond.
The enhanced partnership allows travellers to benefit from single-ticket itineraries, seamless baggage transfers, and smoother connections between Emirates’ global network and Airlink’s Southern African footprint.

Air France is also planning to expand its codeshare agreement with Airlink, with new routes scheduled to go live from 26 October 2025. These additions will allow passengers arriving in Cape Town to connect effortlessly to sought-after safari and regional destinations, including:

• Cape Town – Hoedspruit (gateway to Kruger National Park)
• Cape Town – Skukuza (Kruger National Park)
• Cape Town – Upington (Northern Cape)
• Cape Town – Maun (Okavango Delta, Botswana)
• Cape Town – Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

This strategic expansion follows Air France’s initial codeshare rollout with Airlink in late 2024, which connected Johannesburg and Cape Town to 14 domestic destinations in South Africa. Travellers on eligible codeshare flights can also earn Flying Blue miles, further enhancing the value of the partnership.

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Airlink launches second daily flight between Johannesburg and Walvis Bay to boost connectivity and tourism!

South African regional carrier Airlink has expanded its route network with the introduction of a second daily flight between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay. The additional service, which commenced on 04 July 2025, now offers travellers increased flexibility and improved connectivity between South Africa and Namibia’s west coast.

The twice-daily flights operate as follows:

• Depart OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg at 10:20 and 14:05
• Depart  Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay at 13:40 and 17:25

This route enhancement significantly strengthens regional air travel by linking one of Africa’s busiest economic hubs with Namibia’s vital coastal city. It supports both business and leisure travel, facilitating easier access for tourists, entrepreneurs, and professionals engaged in Namibia’s growing logistics, energy, and port sectors.

Walvis Bay serves as a gateway to some of  the most iconic attractions in Namibia, including the Namib Desert, the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, and the breathtaking Namib-Naukluft National Park. The increased flight frequency is expected to stimulate tourism growth and enhance cross-border trade and commercial ties between the two countries.
With this strategic move, Airlink continues to play a key role in boosting intra-African connectivity, reinforcing its position as a leading regional airline in Southern Africa.

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Airlink and Turkish Airlines sign codeshare agreement to boost connectivity across Southern Africa!

Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Türkiye, has entered into a strategic codeshare partnership with South African regional airline Airlink, set to launch on 01 August 2025. This collaboration is poised to significantly enhance connectivity between Türkiye, South Africa and Southern Africa by combining Turkish Airlines’ global reach with Airlink’s expansive domestic and regional network.
The new codeshare agreement allows Turkish Airlines to place its "TK" flight code on a wide selection of Airlink-operated routes throughout South Africa and neighboring countries. Passengers flying with Turkish Airlines into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg will benefit from seamless onward connections to destinations such as Durban, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Windhoek (Namibia), Gaborone (Botswana), and more – all on a single ticket with simplified baggage transfers.
This partnership offers international and regional travellers greater flexibility, convenience, and travel options, while supporting tourism and business links between Türkiye, South Africa and Southern Africa. The integration of networks not only enhances the passenger experience but also strengthens the position of both airlines in their respective markets.

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Survey: FlySafair named best low-cost airline in Africa 2025!

South African regional carrier FlySafair has been awarded the title of Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025. The airline was awarded first place in this competitive category, reflecting its performance in the region's low-cost travel sector.
Lift, another South African domestic airline and last year’s winner, secured the position of second-best low-cost airline in Africa in 2025. Zimbabwe-based Fastjet, which operates domestic flights in Zimbabwe and regional flights across southern Africa, claimed the third spot.
In addition, South African airline Airlink was recognized as the Cleanest Airline in Africa for 2025, reflecting its high standards in aircraft cleanliness and onboard hygiene.
The 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards were based on the results of a global passenger satisfaction survey conducted between September 2024 and May 2025. More than 100 nationalities participated, with responses carefully screened to remove duplicate or ineligible entries. Over 325 airlines were included in the final results, making the Skytrax Awards one of the most comprehensive airline rankings in the industry.

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