Namibia: Jet A-1 fuel supply at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) returns to normal

Travellers flying to or from Namibia can expect normal refuelling operations again at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, after recent problems with the airport's aviation fuel supply.

The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) says sufficient supplies of Jet A-1 aviation fuel are now available at the airport, with both fuel suppliers confirming that stocks are adequate to meet the normal requirements of airlines operating from Windhoek.

Fuel supply problems have been resolved

The fuel situation became an issue in August 2026, when aviation fuel supplies at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) came under pressure following concerns about possible fuel contamination. The supply problems resulted in some airlines having to make arrangements to refuel elsewhere.

According to the NAC, additional fuel has now been released to the airport following successful quality checks carried out this week.

The airport operator says all airlines operating through Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) are currently being refuelled without interruption.

For passengers, this means the fuel-related operational uncertainty seen in recent weeks should no longer be a concern when planning flights through Windhoek.

No more fuel stops required

One of the more significant consequences of the earlier shortage was the need for some aircraft to take on fuel at another airport rather than completing their refuelling at Windhoek.

The NAC says this is no longer necessary. Fuel operations at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) have stabilised, and airlines can once again meet their normal refuelling requirements at the airport.

This should also remove one potential source of flight delays, operational changes and additional fuel stops for international and regional services using Windhoek.

What this means for travellers

If you are flying to or from Namibia in the coming weeks, there is currently no indication from the NAC that passengers should expect disruption because of aviation fuel availability at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH).

It is nevertheless worth remembering that the situation is relatively recent. Travellers with connecting flights or tight itineraries should continue to check their airline's latest flight information before travelling, particularly if they are flying on a route that was affected during the shortage.

For now, however, the message is straightforward: Jet A-1 supplies at Windhoek's main international airport have returned to normal, and airlines are once again able to refuel at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) without interruption.

 

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Air France brings back direct Paris - Cape Town flights

Travellers flying between Europe and Cape Town will have another nonstop option this southern summer as Air France brings back its seasonal service between Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and Cape Town International Airport (CPT).

The route is scheduled to operate from 22 September 2026 until 27 March 2027, making it particularly useful for European travellers heading to Cape Town for a southern African summer holiday, a city break or onward travel through the region.

More flights during the peak season

Air France will initially operate the Paris - Cape Town route three times a week:

22 September – 31 October 2026

• Paris > Cape Town (Tue/Fri/Sun): depart 10:25, arrive 22:10
• Cape Town > Paris (Mon/Wed/Sat): depart 00:15, arrive 12:15

One important detail for travellers: despite the departure technically being just after midnight, passengers will need to be at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) on the evening before the departure date.

From 01 November 2026, Air France's Cape Town–Paris service steps up to five flights a week, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and continuing on that pattern until the season ends on 27 March 2027. Confirmed timings so far cover the Cape Town–Paris direction: departure from Cape Town at 08:30, arriving in Paris at 19:20. Air France hasn't published a separate schedule for the return Paris–Cape Town leg, but as this is presented as a single five-weekly-frequency route rather than two independently timed services, it's likely the return flights operate on the same five days — most plausibly departing Paris in the evening for an overnight flight back to Cape Town. Travellers should check Air France's official timetable for the exact Paris departure time before booking.

Why the route matters for visitors to South Africa

The return of Air France's nonstop Paris–Cape Town service gives travellers from France and elsewhere in Europe a direct way to reach South Africa during the 2026/27 summer season, without having to connect elsewhere in Europe or through another African hub.

For visitors planning a Cape Town holiday, a Garden Route road trip or a wider Southern African itinerary, flying directly into Cape Town can make the start of the journey more convenient. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris is also one of Air France's major connecting hubs, offering onward connections across France, Europe and further afield for travellers continuing their journey after visiting South Africa.

The route also provides another option for South African travellers heading to Europe, while adding capacity during the busy summer tourism season, when demand for flights between Europe and Cape Town traditionally increases.

As always, flight schedules and frequencies can change, so travellers should check the latest details when making their booking.

Bottom line

Air France's seasonal nonstop Paris–Cape Town service returns on 22 September 2026, initially with three weekly flights before increasing to five flights a week from 01 November 2026. The route is scheduled to operate until 27 March 2027, giving travellers another direct link between the Mother City and one of Europe's biggest aviation hubs. 

 

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South Africa's Airports Set for Major Upgrades: What travellers can expect

Travellers flying to or within South Africa could see significant changes at the country's airports over the coming years.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is rolling out a R21.7 billion capital investment programme to upgrade infrastructure, increase capacity and improve passenger facilities across its network of nine airports.

The biggest projects are planned for OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, while King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban, George and several smaller airports are also set to benefit.

So, what does this mean for travellers?

OR Tambo: More reliable infrastructure and better passenger facilities

At Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), a major priority is improving jet fuel infrastructure following recent concerns over the resilience of the airport's fuel supply system.

Passengers are also expected to benefit from more visible improvements, including the continued replacement of escalators and travelators, upgraded toilet facilities, repaired and replaced airport trolleys, and improvements to parking and backup power infrastructure.

Much of the investment will take place behind the scenes, but the aim is ultimately a more reliable airport experience at Africa's busiest airport.

Cape Town International Airport gets the biggest investment

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town is set to receive approximately R11.3 billion, making it the largest individual investment programme in ACSA's current plans.

For travellers, the most important developments include a new domestic arrivals terminal, an expanded domestic departures terminal and additional passenger loading bridges.

More aircraft stands and other airside infrastructure are also planned as Cape Town continues to experience strong growth in domestic and international passenger numbers.

The expansion should eventually provide more terminal capacity and improve passenger flows. However, travellers using CPT over the coming years should expect to see construction activity and occasional changes to familiar routes through the airport.

Durban and regional airports also included

At King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban, major terminal expansion remains a longer-term project, with the largest work currently planned for the early 2030s. In the meantime, travellers may see renovations and security-related improvements.

The investment programme also extends to regional airports. George Airport (GRJ) in George, an important gateway to the Garden Route, is expected to receive significant investment through to 2031.

Other airports included in the programme are Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) in Bloemfontein, King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London and Kimberley Airport (KIM) in Kimberley, where runway and taxiway rehabilitation is scheduled to continue until 2029.

For travellers, these projects should gradually mean improved and more reliable airport infrastructure, although construction work may occasionally result in temporary operational changes.

Should travellers expect disruption?

ACSA says it intends to minimise disruption by separating construction areas from passenger operations and scheduling some work at night or during quieter periods.

That means travellers are more likely to encounter temporary routes, changed signage and boarded-off areas than major terminal closures.

If you are flying through JNB or CPT, it is worth arriving with enough time to navigate any temporary changes—particularly if you have not used the airport recently.

Bottom line

South Africa's airport upgrade programme is a long-term project, so travellers should not expect everything to change immediately.

The most noticeable improvements are likely to be better terminal facilities, more capacity and upgrades to everyday infrastructure such as toilets, escalators and travelators. Behind the scenes, investment in fuel, power and airside infrastructure could also help make airport operations more resilient.

For now, the main advice is simple: keep an eye on airport information before travelling and allow a little extra time if construction work affects your usual route through the terminal.

Have you recently travelled through one of South Africa's airports? Let us know in the comments what improvements - or remaining problems - you noticed.

 

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OR Tambo Jet Fuel Supply Update: What the Natref shutdown means for travellers

UPDATE – 08 September 2026: The anticipated period of reduced jet-fuel availability from the Natref refinery has now begun. This is because the refinery’s repair and recommissioning work is temporarily limiting the amount of locally produced jet fuel available to the market. South Africa's fuel industry has secured additional Jet A-1 imports and is using alternative pipeline, rail and coastal supply arrangements to protect fuel supplies at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) Sasol says the measures put in place at Natref leave a low probability of a jet-fuel shortage. Flights are currently operating normally, and there is no indication that travellers need to change their plans.  

UPDATE – 01 September 2026: Sasol says it has implemented measures to keep the affected unit at its Natref refinery operational until the end of September. The measures are intended to support more stable jet fuel availability and continued supply to key customers, including those at OR Tambo International Airport. Flights are currently operating normally.  

Travellers flying to, from or through Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) may want to keep an eye on an unplanned shutdown at Sasol's National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) Refinery.

The shutdown has affected Sasol's ability to fully meet some of its fuel supply commitments, including Jet A-1 fuel supplied to customers at OR Tambo. For now, however, flights are operating normally and there is no indication that travellers need to change their plans.

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is South Africa's busiest airport and a major gateway for international tourists travelling onwards to destinations such as Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Durban and elsewhere in Southern Africa. A prolonged disruption could put additional pressure on airline operations and connecting flights.

At present, travellers should not expect widespread flight cancellations because of the Natref shutdown. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says flights are operating normally, while airlines are using contingency measures to protect their schedules.

Travellers flying through OR Tambo should continue checking their airline's latest flight information before departure. The situation is nevertheless worth monitoring, particularly if the disruption continues for an extended period.

Bottom line

The Natref disruption is now entering its expected impact period, meaning that the refinery’s planned repair and recommissioning work is taking place during the period when reduced local jet-fuel production could begin to affect supplies, but there is currently no indication of widespread disruption to flights at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). Additional Jet A-1 imports and alternative supply arrangements have been put in place to protect the airport's fuel supply.

For travellers, the situation is therefore one to monitor rather than a reason to change travel plans. As always, check your airline's flight information before travelling through OR Tambo International Airport (JNB).

 

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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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Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) Faces Jet Fuel Shortage: What travellers need to know

UPDATE (31 August 2026): There are now clear signs that the disruption caused by the Jet A1 shortage is easing. Aviation publication ch-aviation reports (28 August 2026) that Discover Airlines has resumed regular flights from Windhoek, indicating that the airline's temporary refuelling stops in Luanda, Angola, are no longer required.

This is the first clear indication that normal operations are being restored on the affected Europe-bound services. However, as no detailed public statement on the full restoration of Jet A1 supplies at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) has yet been found, we are awaiting further confirmation that the wider fuel shortage has been fully resolved. 

UPDATE (29 August 2026): There are signs that the Jet A1 supply situation in Namibia may be improving. According to the latest available reporting, one replacement fuel consignment has already been cleared for use and dispatched to customers, while another consignment has been shipped to Walvis Bay. Authorities had previously expected the shortage to continue until around this weekend.

However, we have not yet seen confirmation that normal Jet A1 fuelling operations at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) have been fully restored or that Discover Airlines' refuelling stops in Luanda have ended. Travellers should therefore continue checking their individual flight status until the fuel supply situation has been officially confirmed as back to normal. 

UPDATE (25 August 2026): Namibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has provided further details on the Jet A-1 shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). A consignment of aviation fuel was quarantined at Walvis Bay after routine quality-control testing required further verification. The ministry stresses that the fuel never entered the aviation supply chain and no off-specification fuel was supplied to aircraft.

The ministry says a replacement Jet A-1 consignment is expected to arrive in Namibia on Saturday, 29 August. Until then, fuelling restrictions remain in place and some long-haul flights continue to require operational adjustments, including Discover Airlines' refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola.

For travellers, this means the situation is not yet resolved, but a potential end to the disruption is now in sight. Passengers flying from Windhoek should continue to check their individual flight status, particularly if travelling on Discover/Lufthansa Group services or with onward connections.

The ministry says airport operations will continue and that restoring full passenger and cargo fuelling capacity is an immediate priority. 

UPDATE (24 August 2026): The Jet A1 shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is continuing to affect some long-haul flights from Windhoek. Local reporting on 23 August 2026 confirmed that Discover Airlines' Europe-bound services are still making a refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola, because of the shortage. The first affected Windhoek–Frankfurt service arrived about 90 minutes late after stopping in Luanda for fuel.

There is still no indication of an airport-wide disruption or closure, and the issue appears to remain concentrated on the long-haul Europe services. Travellers flying with Discover/Lufthansa Group to Frankfurt or Munich should allow extra time and check their individual flight status before travelling. 

UPDATE (21 August 2026, 14:00 SAST): Lufthansa Cargo has confirmed it is currently unable to transport freight out of Windhoek due to the ongoing Jet A1 shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). According to Namibia's opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Lufthansa Cargo notified customers in writing on 19 August 2026 that the restriction runs to 23 August 2026 — though the notice itself states that date is subject to change. Reuters reported it saw a screenshot of the notice but could not independently verify its authenticity.

Passenger flights continue to operate, though some - particularly non-stop services to Europe - are requiring a refuelling stop en route, consistent with the pattern already seen on Discover Airlines' Frankfurt and Munich flights via Luanda, Angola.

For travellers, the practical takeaway remains the same: passenger operations are continuing, but anyone shipping cargo through WDH in the coming days should check directly with their freight forwarder or airline, given the cargo suspension reportedly running through 23 August 2026. 

UPDATE (21 August 2026): The cause of the Jet A1 shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is becoming clearer. According to Reuters, a shipment of aviation fuel delivered to Walvis Bay failed routine quality tests and was removed before entering circulation. Vivo Energy Namibia, a Vitol subsidiary and fuel supplier in Namibia, says the affected fuel was quarantined and that it is investigating the problem while looking for alternative supplies. No firm timeline for replacement supplies has yet been given.

For travellers, the main confirmed impact remains on Discover Airlines' Frankfurt and Munich services, which are using Luanda, Angola, as a refuelling stop. There is still no indication of a general closure of Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) or widespread disruption across all flights.

Travellers flying from Windhoek should continue to check directly with their airline, particularly if travelling on Lufthansa Group/Discover services or with onward connections in Europe. 

UPDATE (20 August 2026, 16:45 SAST): The Jet A1 fuel shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is now affecting flight operations. Discover Airlines has confirmed that its flights from Windhoek to Frankfurt and Munich are making a refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola, before continuing to Europe. Reuters reports that one flight was affected on Wednesday and another on Thursday.

For travellers, the main implication is longer journey times on affected Lufthansa Group/Discover services, although flights have so far continued to depart Windhoek as scheduled. Passengers with onward connections in Frankfurt or Munich should allow extra time and check their flight status with the airline.

The problem appears to be a local and temporary supply issue involving the airport's fuel suppliers. Discover told Reuters that it was not directly caused by the wider fuel-supply situation linked to the war in Iran.

The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is working with the airlines and fuel suppliers to restore normal fuel availability. At present, there is no indication that Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) itself is closing or that all flights are affected.  

We are continuing to monitor the situation, particularly for any impact on other international and regional services from Windhoek . 

UPDATE (20 August 2026, 07:00 SAST): As of this morning, we have found no confirmed reports of flight cancellations, delays or diversions directly linked to the Jet A1 shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH).

One flight-tracking service briefly displayed an unusual routing reference to Windhoek Eros Airport (NBJ) alongside tonight's two Lufthansa Group long-haul services operated by Discover Airlines: one to Frankfurt at 19:15 and one to Munich at 20:35. Discover's published schedule continues to show the Frankfurt service, 4Y133, and the Munich service, 4Y143, operating non-stop from Hosea Kutako International Aiport (WDH) to Frankfurt and Munich.

We have not been able to confirm the meaning of the NBJ reference with Lufthansa, Discover Airlines, Swiss or Austrian, and it is not corroborated by other sources we have checked. Eros is primarily a domestic and regional airport, while WDH is Namibia's main international gateway. We are therefore treating the routing reference as unverified and are not reporting it as an actual diversion or airport change.

Regional services, including flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, continue to show as scheduled at the time of writing.

For now, there is no confirmed evidence of widespread operational disruption at WDH as a result of the Jet A1 shortage. Travellers flying from Windhoek today should nevertheless check their individual flight status with their airline before heading to the airport.

We will continue monitoring the situation and update this post as soon as confirmed information becomes available from the airlines or Namibia Airports Company (NAC). 

Travellers flying to or from Namibia should currently keep an eye on the fuel situation at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. The airport is facing a shortage of Jet A1 aviation fuel, which could have an impact on flight operations if the situation continues.

The shortage is particularly relevant for airlines operating international and regional services into Windhoek, as aircraft need sufficient fuel not only for the planned flight but also for operational reserves and possible diversions.

What does the fuel shortage mean for travellers?

At this stage, the fuel shortage does not mean that flights at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) have been cancelled across the board. However, airlines may need to adjust their fuelling arrangements depending on available stocks and the aircraft being operated.

Possible consequences for passengers could include:

• aircraft arriving with additional fuel loaded elsewhere
• refuelling stops being added to some services
• changes to flight schedules or aircraft
• delays if additional fuel arrangements are required

For travellers with upcoming flights to Windhoek, it is therefore worth checking directly with the airline before travelling to the airport.

Why is Jet A1 supply important at Hosea Kutako?

Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is Namibia's main international gateway and lies around 45 km outside Windhoek. The airport has dedicated Jet A1 infrastructure, with the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) listing Puma and Engen Namibia among the fuel service providers at the airport.

The current situation is particularly noteworthy because Namibia had previously reported relatively strong Jet A1 storage capacity. In May 2026, the Namibia Airports Company said Hosea Kutako International Airport had sufficient capacity to refuel six Boeing 747-8 aircraft and that national storage capacity, including Walvis Bay, provided considerable additional resilience.

The present shortage therefore appears to be a supply issue rather than a lack of airport fuel infrastructure.

Could flights to Namibia be affected?

Potentially, yes. The effect will depend on how long the shortage lasts and how quickly additional Jet A1 supplies reach Windhoek.

Airlines have already faced significant fuel-supply pressures elsewhere in Southern Africa during 2026. Earlier this year, shortages at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) even resulted in international carriers using Hosea Kutako International Airport for additional refuelling.

That makes the current situation at Windhoek particularly important for airlines operating long-haul services to Europe and regional connections within Southern Africa.

For passengers, however, there is currently no reason to assume that a booked flight will automatically be cancelled.

Travelling to Namibia? Here's what to do

If you are flying to or from Windhoek in the coming days, the sensible approach is simply to keep checking your flight status.

Before leaving for Hosea Kutako International Airport:

• Check your airline's latest flight information.
• Allow some flexibility in your itinerary, particularly if you have a tight onward connection.
• If you are connecting to a safari flight or another domestic service, avoid unnecessarily short connection times.
• Keep an eye on airline notifications in case fuelling arrangements result in a schedule change.

For travellers already in Namibia, the situation is unlikely to affect self-drive trips, accommodation or access to Namibia's national parks. The issue concerns aviation fuel, not the availability of petrol or diesel for rental cars.

Bottom line

The Jet A1 fuel shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport is something travellers should monitor, but it is not currently a reason to cancel a trip to Namibia.

The key question is how quickly supplies can be restored. If the shortage is resolved without significant disruption, most passengers will probably notice little more than possible operational changes behind the scenes. If supplies remain tight, however, airlines could increasingly need to tanker fuel into Windhoek or make additional refuelling arrangements elsewhere.

We'll update this post as more information becomes available.

 

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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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Lilongwe to Johannesburg Flights: Malawi Airlines adds new direct service

Update - 27.08.2026: Malawi Airlines has annoucned the cancellation of flights between Lilongwe and Johannesburg from 25-28 August 2026 due to operational reasons. This affects flight ET024 from Lilongwe to Johannesburg and return flight ET025. Flights ET021 and ET020 will operate normally. 

Travellers looking for Lilongwe to Johannesburg flights will have another option from 24 August 2026, when Malawi Airlines introduces an additional direct service between Malawi and South Africa.

The additional service will operate six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, with an afternoon departure from Lilongwe and an evening return from Johannesburg.

New Lilongwe–Johannesburg flight schedule

The new Malawi Airlines service operates at the following times:

• Lilongwe – Johannesburg: 16:50 – 19:05
• Johannesburg – Lilongwe: 20:00 – 22:15
• Frequency: Tuesday to Sunday
• Starts: 24 August 2026

The new direct return flight complements Malawi Airlines' existing morning service between Lilongwe and Johannesburg, which operates via Blantyre.

For travellers, the new afternoon departure provides more flexibility when planning a trip between Malawi and South Africa, while the evening return flight allows for a full day in Johannesburg before flying back to Lilongwe.

The additional service also offers another option for travellers using Johannesburg as a gateway for onward travel in South Africa and elsewhere in Southern Africa.

Flight times and fares can change, so check the latest Malawi Airlines schedule before booking.

 

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Emirates and SAA expand codeshare to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe

Travellers flying to Southern Africa with Emirates will soon have a much wider choice of onward destinations. The airline has expanded its long-standing partnership with South African Airways (SAA), making it easier to book journeys across South Africa and several neighbouring countries on a single itinerary.

For international visitors, this is welcome news. Whether you're planning a safari in Botswana, exploring Namibia's deserts, visiting Victoria Falls or combining several Southern African countries in one trip, the expanded partnership should make travel more convenient.

What has changed?

Until now, the partnership mainly allowed South African Airways (SAA) to sell tickets on Emirates flights between Dubai and South Africa, with connections onwards through Emirates' extensive global network.

Following regulatory approval, the arrangement now works both ways. Emirates can also place its flight code on selected South African Airways (SAA) services, allowing passengers to book more regional flights directly through Emirates.

For travellers, that usually means:

• one booking for the entire journey
• baggage checked through to the final destination (subject to the ticket and airport procedures)
• easier flight connections
• greater protection if a connecting flight is delayed compared with booking separate tickets

New destinations available through the partnership

The expanded reciprocal codeshare adds nine routes operated by South African Airways (SAA).

Domestic South Africa

Travellers arriving in Johannesburg can now connect more easily to:

• Cape Town
• Durban
• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Regional Southern Africa

The partnership also adds convenient access from Johannesburg to:

• Windhoek, Namibia
• Gaborone, Botswana
• Lusaka, Zambia
• Harare, Zimbabwe
• Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

These additions make Johannesburg an even more useful gateway for exploring Southern Africa.

Why this matters for international travellers

Many visitors from Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East already use Emirates to reach South Africa via Dubai. Until now, travelling beyond Johannesburg often required a separate booking with another airline.

With the expanded codeshare, itineraries become much simpler. For example, travellers may now be able to book journeys such as:

• London – Dubai – Windhoek
• Frankfurt – Dubai – Victoria Falls
• Sydney – Dubai – Gaborone
• Mumbai – Dubai – Lusaka

all under a single reservation where the codeshare is available.

This reduces the hassle of managing separate tickets and can make complex multi-country itineraries easier to organise.

A partnership spanning nearly 30 years

Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) have worked together for almost three decades, with Emirates first launching flights to Johannesburg in 1995.

Today, Emirates operates 56 weekly flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, giving travellers plenty of choice when planning trips to and from South Africa.

Bottom line

The expanded Emirates–South African Airways (SAA) codeshare is good news for anyone planning a trip around Southern Africa. It offers more seamless connections to popular destinations across the region while simplifying the booking process for international travellers.

If you're planning a safari, a self-drive adventure or a multi-country itinerary through Southern Africa, it's worth checking whether your preferred route is now available as a single Emirates booking. It could save both time and unnecessary travel stress.

 

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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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Turkish Airlines adds more Cape Town flights from October 2026

If you're planning a trip to Cape Town later this year, you'll soon have a few more flight options.

From 26 October 2026, Turkish Airlines will increase its direct service between Istanbul and Cape Town from seven to ten flights per week, adding three extra weekly flights for the Northern Winter 2026/27 schedule.

For travellers, that's good news. More flights generally mean greater flexibility when choosing travel dates, improved connections and, in some cases, more competitive fares.

Why this matters

Turkish Airlines has become one of the most convenient ways to reach South Africa from many parts of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Instead of connecting through one of the traditional European hubs, many travellers now route via Istanbul, where Turkish Airlines offers onward connections to hundreds of destinations.

The additional Cape Town flights should make those connections even easier, especially during South Africa's busy summer tourism season.

If you're travelling from Cape Town, the expanded schedule also opens up more options for exploring Türkiye or continuing onwards to destinations across Europe, Asia, North America and Africa on a single ticket.

More seats during the busy season

The timing is no coincidence.

Late October marks the start of South Africa's peak summer travel season, when international visitor numbers begin to rise and flights into Cape Town become increasingly busy.

Adding three extra weekly services means more seats are available during one of the most popular times of the year to visit the city.

While the extra capacity may help ease demand, travellers planning to visit over December or January should still book well in advance, particularly if they're looking for the best fares.

Cape Town's growing international connectivity

The announcement is another sign of Cape Town's growing appeal as an international destination.

Over the past few years, several airlines have increased services to the city or introduced additional seasonal flights, giving travellers more choice than ever before. Improved air connectivity not only benefits tourists, but also makes business travel easier and strengthens links between South Africa and the rest of the world.

For visitors, however, the biggest advantage is simple: getting to Cape Town is becoming easier.

Bottom line

An increase from seven to ten weekly flights may not sound dramatic, but it gives travellers more flexibility and makes it easier to find flights that fit their itinerary.

If Cape Town or Türkiye is on your travel plans for the 2026/27 summer season, it's worth checking Turkish Airlines' updated schedule when comparing flight options. 

 

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More Flights to Namibia: Discover Airlines expands Munich-Windhoek route

Travelling between Europe and Namibia will become even easier from April 2027.

Discover Airlines has announced that it will increase its direct flights between Munich and Windhoek from three to five weekly services. The Lufthansa Group leisure carrier will add new Monday and Thursday departures, offering travellers greater flexibility when planning holidays, self-drive adventures and safari itineraries in Namibia.

The route was only launched in April 2025 as Munich's first-ever direct connection to Namibia. Demand has clearly exceeded expectations, with Discover Airlines now committing to a year-round expansion of the service.

For Namibian tourism, the additional flights are good news. Germany remains one of Namibia's most important international source markets and improved air connectivity makes it easier for European visitors to reach the country without routing via Frankfurt, Johannesburg or other hubs.

The expansion will also strengthen Lufthansa Group's position in the Namibia market. From April 2027, the group will offer a combined 12 weekly flights to Windhoek from Frankfurt and Munich, providing travellers with more choice and convenient onward connections from across Europe and North America.

Together with Edelweiss Air's new nonstop service between Zurich and Windhoek that's 15 frequencies a week on widebody aircraft to Namibia from Europe and from the Lufthansa Group. 

For visitors planning a self-drive holiday, the increased frequency opens up more flexible itinerary options and could help improve seat availability during peak travel periods.

With demand for Namibia continuing to grow, the additional Munich flights are another vote of confidence in the country's appeal as one of Africa's leading adventure and wildlife destinations.

Key facts

• Munich-Windhoek increases from 3 to 5 weekly flights from April 2027.
• New departures will operate on Mondays and Thursdays.
• Flights are scheduled year-round.
• Lufthansa Group will offer 12 weekly flights to Windhoek from Germany.
• Improved connectivity benefits both tourism and business travel between Namibia and Europe.

 

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Flying to Southern Africa? CemAir and Air Europa launch new partnership

Planning a trip to Southern Africa from Europe or the Americas? A new partnership between South African regional carrier CemAir and Spanish airline Air Europa, wich is launching its first service to Johannesburg on 24 June 2026, could make your journey a little easier.

Passengers flying with Air Europa can now connect onto CemAir flights on a single booking, giving travellers easier access to destinations across South Africa and the wider Southern African region. Eligible itineraries also include through-checked baggage, meaning luggage can be transferred to the final destination without having to be collected and re-checked during the journey.

For international visitors, the biggest benefit is improved access to destinations beyond the region's major international gateways. CemAir serves a number of domestic and regional routes, helping travellers reach smaller cities and tourism destinations that are not always easy to access on a single ticket.

The partnership should also benefit Southern African travellers heading overseas. Air Europa operates an extensive network from its Madrid base, offering onward connections to destinations across Europe as well as North and South America.

While airline partnerships often happen behind the scenes, they can make a noticeable difference to the travel experience. Being able to book an entire journey on one itinerary and check baggage through to the final destination can remove some of the stress from planning a multi-stop trip.

Bookings under the new CemAir-Air Europa partnership became available on 23 June 2026.

 

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Air Zimbabwe returns to London after 14-year absence

update 10 July 2026

Air Zimbabwe confirmed that flights between RG Mugabe International Airpot (HRE) in Harare and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in London are set to resume on 22 July 2026. The airline will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays on board an Airbus A330-300 under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) wet lease agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Lienas Aereas.

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Air Zimbabwe is set to resume direct flights between RG Mugabe International Airpot (HRE) in Harare and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in London from 01 July 2026, marking the national carrier's return to the UK market after a 14-year absence.

The route was once a cornerstone of Air Zimbabwe's international network before long-haul operations were suspended in 2012. Since then, travellers between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom have relied on one-stop services via hubs such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Doha, Dubai and Kigali.

The return of non-stop flights will be welcomed by Zimbabweans living in the UK, business travellers and tourists planning trips to destinations such as Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park.

For visitors, a direct connection removes the need for lengthy transit stops and makes Zimbabwe more accessible from one of its most important long-haul source markets.

The relaunch also comes at a time when Zimbabwe's tourism industry continues to recover, with growing interest in the country's wildlife, safari and adventure tourism offerings.

Questions remain about the long-term sustainability of the route, with Air Zimbabwe reportedly planning to operate the route through an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, which will provide the aircraft and operational support. As with any newly launched route, travellers should keep an eye on schedules and operational updates during the first months of operation.

Nevertheless, the return of direct flights between Harare and London represents one of the most significant developments in Zimbabwean aviation in recent years and could provide a welcome boost for both tourism and business travel.

For travellers heading to Zimbabwe in the second half of 2026, the prospect of a direct flight from London is certainly good news.

 

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Proflight Zambia reduces regional flights amid rising costs

Zambian regional airline Proflight Zambia has temporarily consolidated parts of its regional flight schedule due to significantly higher operational costs, including rising jet fuel prices and ongoing aircraft maintenance challenges.

The airline confirmed that, until at least 11 June 2026, some flights between Lusaka and Johannesburg will operate at reduced frequencies, with Tuesday and Thursday services dropping from two daily flights to one daily flight. Certain Lusaka–Maun flights have also been cancelled where passenger demand was low.

What travellers should know

Travellers flying within Southern Africa should expect:

• Reduced regional flight frequencies on selected routes
• Higher ticket prices and fuel surcharges
• Increased excess baggage fees
• Possible schedule changes on short notice

The Lusaka–Johannesburg route remains an important regional connection for onward international travel via Johannesburg.

Why this is happening

According to Proflight Zambia, higher global fuel costs and aircraft spare-part shortages are placing additional pressure on regional airline operations.

These challenges are affecting several smaller African airlines, particularly carriers operating regional and safari-focused networks.

Regional network continues despite adjustments

Despite the temporary schedule consolidation, Proflight Zambia continues to operate key regional and safari routes linking destinations such as:

• Livingstone
• Maun
• Cape Town
• Windhoek
• Mfuwe

Travellers are advised to reconfirm flights before departure and allow additional connection time, especially when connecting to long-haul international services.

 

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