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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Flight disruptions at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) due to ATNS delays! [update #2]

update (27 October 2025): Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) has announced that all flight operations at the airport are operating as per the usual schedule today.  

update (21 October 2025): Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Ltd has announced that Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela/Nelspruit may experience disruptions today due to adverse weather conditions, specifically reduced visibility caused by low cloud cover, combined with the absence of instrument flight procedures. 

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), located about 27 kilometres northeast of Mbombela/Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, has announced severe disruptions to scheduled airline services. The airport serves as the primary air gateway to the world-famous Kruger National Park, making the current situation particularly significant for travellers heading to one of Africa’s top safari destinations.

According to airport management, the disruptions stem from the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS)’ failure to meet crucial deadlines required to maintain the validity of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs). As a result, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has suspended these procedures, impacting flight operations to and from the airport.

Despite the challenges, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) has confirmed that all airside infrastructure, including lighting and Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), remain fully calibrated, serviceable, and compliant with regulatory standards. The airport emphasised that the suspension of IFPs is not due to any non-compliance on its part, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining infrastructure and safety at a consistently high level.

Airport management is working closely with airline partners and ATNS to minimise disruptions and restore normal flight operations as soon as possible. Travellers using Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules and operational changes.

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South Africa: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) warns of possible flight disruptions due to weather!

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), situated about 27 km northeast of Mbombela/Nelspruit in Mpumalanga and serving as the main gateway to the iconic Kruger National Park, has advised travellers that flight operations may be affected in the coming days due to adverse weather conditions.

According to the airport management, instrument flight procedures – overseen by Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) – are currently suspended, making all flights heavily dependent on favourable weather. These circumstances are beyond the airport’s control, and passengers are encouraged to remain patient during this period.

Travellers are advised to check the official Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) website and follow its social media channels for the latest operational updates. Passengers should also contact their airline directly for specific flight information and potential schedule changes.

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South Africa: FlySafair grows domestic network with new routes!

South Africa’s leading low-cost carrier, FlySafair, has announced another network expansion that will make domestic air travel even more convenient. Starting on 01 November 2025, the airline will launch two new direct services from Lanseria International Airport (HLA) in Johannesburg to the Eastern Cape. Travellers from Gauteng will soon be able to fly directly to King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London with six weekly flights, as well as to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) with seven weekly flights. These new connections are designed to enhance regional accessibility and provide more affordable travel options for both business and leisure passengers.

The expansion does not stop there. From 02 October 2025, FlySafair will also begin operating flights between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and Eastgate Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. This new route, which will run three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, opens up seamless access to the Greater Kruger National Park and one of South Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. In addition, the airline will increase its service between Cape Town and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela to daily flights from 01 October 2025, giving travellers even more flexibility when planning trips to the Lowveld and surrounding private game reserves.

With these latest additions, FlySafair is reinforcing its position as one of South Africa’s most connected low-cost airlines, offering passengers greater convenience, improved regional connectivity and easier access to both coastal cities and world-class safari destinations.

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South Africa: FlySafair connects Johannesburg with Kruger National Park!

South African regional low cost-carrier FlySafair is set to introduce flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), located about 30km north east of Mbombela (Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga. The airport is known as the major gateway for tourists traveling (by air) to Kruger National Park. Flights will depart Johannesburg at 11:15 on Fridays and Sundays and arrive in Mbombela at 12:10. The return flight is set to depart Mbombela at 12:45, also on Fridays and Sundays, and arrive in Johannesburg at 13:40. Flights will be operated on board a Boeing 737-800. The new service will commence on 02 August 2024.

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Zimbabwe: Fastjet to temporarily increase flights between Victoria Falls <> Mbombela!

Zimbabwean low-cost airline, Fastjet, is set to increase the number of flights between Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Kruger National Park in South Africa. The airline's spokesperson Mr Nunurai Ndawana announced during a media event in Victoria Falls that Fastjet will temporarily increase the number of flights between Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Victoria Falls and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) to a daily service from early July 2024 to the end of September 2024.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) is located about 30km north east of Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga. The airport is known as the major gateway for tourists traveling (by air) to Kruger National Park and neighbouring private game lodges as well as spectacular vistas such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck, the Three Rondavels and several waterfalls.

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South Africa: FlySafair connects Cape Town with Kruger National Park!

South African regional low cost-carrier FlySafair is set to introduce a new domestic route in South Africa. Effective 02 April 2024, the airline will operate two weekly direct flights between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), located about 30km north east of Mbombela (Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga. The airport is know as the major gateway for tourists traveling (by air) to Kruger National Park. Flights will depart Cape Town at 09:00 on Tuesdays and Saturdays and arrive in Mbombela at 11:30. The return flight is set to depart Mbombela at 12:05 and arrive in Cape Town at 14:50. Flights will be operated on board a Boeing 737-800.

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Mbombela: A new restaurant opens in the Lowveld National Botanical Garden!

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), which manages South Africa's National Botanical and Zoological Gardens, has announced that a restaurant has been opened in the Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Mbombela on 03 August 2023. The Botanical Garden Restaurant Mbombela is a fully licensed restaurant that offers a top-tier a la carte menu. It is open daily from 11:00 - 21:00. 

The Lowveld National Botanical Garden is located just outside Mbombela at the confluence of the Crocodile River and Nels River. The Botanical Garden covers 160ha and is home to about 600 native and 2,000 imported plant species as well as almost 650 native tree species.

South Africa: Airlink to connect Kruger National Park with Victoria Falls!

South African regional carrier Airlink is set to launch a direct service between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela (Nelspruit) and Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Effective 28 November 2023, the airline will operate three weekly flights between the two destinations on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) is the major gateway for tourists travelling by air to South Africa's famous Kruger National Park.

• Mbombela 11:35 > 13:25 Victoria Falls
• Victoria Falls 14:00 > 15:40 Mbombela

To facilitate the new service, Airlink will adjust its alreday existing service between Mbombela (Nelspruit) and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone to four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

• Mbombela 11:35 > 13:30 Livingstone
• Livingstone 14:00 > 15:40 Mbombela

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South Africa: Airlink to re-introduce flights between Durban <> Mbombela!

South African privately-owned regional carrier Airlink is set to re-introduce scheduled direct services between King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban and Kruger Mpumulanga International Airport (KMIA; MQP), located 27 km north east of Mbombela (Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga. Effective 04 April 2022, the airline will operate three weekly return flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flights from Durban depart at 10:30 and the return service leaves from KMIA at 14:00. Travel time is approximately 70 minutes.

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2010 World Cup™ stadiums - Nelspruit (Mbombela)

Nelspruit is Mpumalanga's capital and the gateway to South Africa's most famous Kruger National Park. The city got recently renamed to "Mbombela" (meaning "many people together in a small place" in SiSwati), but will retain "Nelspruit" during the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa.

The newly build stadium (construction work still in progress) is located on open land 6km west of Nelspruit (see map) with the stadium as the centrepiece of a sports precinct with athletics and cricket as well as other sports activities.

View Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit (Mbombela) in a larger map

Mbombela Stadium

Capacity: 43,500

match days: Wednesday, 16 June | Sunday, 20 June | Wednesday, 23 June | Friday, 25 June

accommodation in Nelspruit >>
World Cup 2010™ info guide >>
2010 World Cup Stadium webcams >>
Kruger National Park tours >>

Nelspruit to be officially renamed to Mbombela

The 2010 World Cup™ hosting city of Nelspruit in South Africa is now officially renamed to "Mbombela". Mbombela is a Swati word meaning "many people together in a small place".
Keep that name change (and all the others of course) in mind when planning your travels and don't get confused - still the same places, but a new names.... Public and private sector do have a three year "transition period" to change all signs, boards etc., so when you are coming to South Africa you will still find "Nelspruit" being used. It is sometimes a bit confusing, but you'll get used it when travelling around.
Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana on Friday (16 Oct 2009) published in the government gazette a list of in total 42 geographical name changes which she had approved between 28 July and 2 September this year. Some more name changes in Mpumalanga are Belfast to eMakhazeni, Waterval Boven to Emgwenya, Machadodorp to eNtokozweni.

new place names in South Africa >>
Official South African Geographical Names System >>
South Africa country guide >>

UPDATE (21 Oct 2009): Nelspruit will retain its old name (Nelspruit) for the 2010 World Cup. The name of the municipality as well as the stadium is Mbombela, but speaking football the city will be referred to as Nelspruit!

UPDATE (28 Oct 2009): More than 600 businesses in Mpumalanga, represented by the Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (LCBT), are seeking legal advice on how to challenge the renaming of Nelspruit to Mbombela.