By Simple Flying
Southern Africa’s largest regional operator Airlink is set to increase its frequency to two domestic destinations and plans to launch a new route between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
As the airline continues its route development plan, it will add more flights from its hub to Mbombela, formerly Nelspruit and Bloemfontein, from August 7. Additionally, Airlink will launch flights between Mbombela and Victoria Falls starting November 28, offering a new connection to Zimbabwe’s most popular tourist city.
Scaling up Mbombela flights
The carrier will increase the service between Cape Town International (CPT) and Mbombela to operate two daily return flights, six days a week. The flights will be operated from Monday to Saturday, departing CPT at 08:00 and arriving in MQP at 10:25. The return flight will leave MQP at 17:05, arriving in CPT at 19:50 local time.
Additional service between Johannesburg and Mbombela allows passengers to choose from up to eight daily return flights. Flights from JNB to MQP are operated from Monday to Friday and Sunday, departing at 15:40 and arriving at 16:35.
Flights from MQP to JNB are operated from Monday to Saturday, departing at 10:55 and arriving at 11:50 local time. The enhanced frequency is in response to market demand and is part of the airline’s route development strategy. Airlink CEO and Managing Director Rodger Foster said;
“In response to market demand, Airlink is increasing flights between certain key destinations for local and international business and leisure travel. By scaling up Airlink’s schedule on these routes, we are giving customers more convenient choices and connections, which provides travelers with greater flexibility when planning their trips.”
In addition to Mbombela (Nelspruit), Airlink operates more than 200 flights to over 45 African destinations from its hub at Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB).
Increasing service to Bloemfontein
Airlink also plans to increase its frequency from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein Bram Fischer Airport (BFN). Adding an extra flight will increase the daily departures from three to four flights during the week and from two to three on weekends.
Flights on these routes provide convenient connections to the carrier’s other destinations, including domestic, regional, and international long-haul flights operated by Airlink’s partner airlines. Passengers can choose to fly to Bloemfontein from Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Flights from JNB to BFN depart daily at 12:35 and arrive at 13:35, while the return flights leave at 14:05, arriving at 15:50 local time. Airlink will deploy its Embraer Regional Jets on these routes with a complimentary light meal, generous legroom, and a choice of an aisle or window seat.
Addition of flight from Mbombela to Victoria Falls
From November 28, 2023, Airlink will begin flights between Mbombela (Nelspruit) and Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA). The airline currently serves VFA daily from JNB and six times a week from CPT.
The new route will increase its capacity to Zimbabwe’s most popular destination and complement its existing service between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and Livingstone, just on the other side of the mighty Victoria Falls.
To cater to the new service, the airline will adjust its Kruger-Livingstone flights to four times a week. Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls are among the most visited tourist attractions in Southern Africa, and Airlink will play a significant role in connecting them. CEO Rodger Foster said;
“The new service to Victoria Falls expands our direct connections between Southern Africa’s prime tourist attractions, i.e. the Kruger National Park and surrounds, Victoria Falls, as well as Cape Town and the Garden Route. The new route provides travelers with a greater choice of itineraries using direct Airlink flights and without having to connect via Johannesburg.”
The flights from MQP to VFA will be operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, departing at 11:35 and arriving at 13:25. The return service will be offered on the same days departing VFA at 14:00 and arriving in MPQ at 15:40 local time. Its fleet of Embraer jets is ideal for operations on these routes.
