Rodger Foster emphasized the importance of expanded connectivity for regional economic growth and tourism. “With Airlink’s network now encompassing Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and most Southern Africa Development Community nations, we provide travelers with unmatched regional and intercontinental options. These services support businesses in expanding their market reach while boosting tourism and generating additional foreign travel spend in both markets,” said Airlink CEO and Managing Director
South African regional airline, Airlink, has announced plans to introduce three nightly flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, starting March 30 next year.
The new flights will complement Airlink’s existing daily service on the route, launched last year when the airline became the first private-sector competitor to operate between the two cities. The additional flights aim to offer travellers more flexibility and convenience, catering to both business and leisure passengers.
Airlink’s 98-seat Embraer E190 jetliners will operate these flights as follows: departures from Johannesburg to Nairobi on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with return flights from Nairobi to Johannesburg available on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The airline’s entry into the Johannesburg-Nairobi route in April last year marked a significant milestone, making Kenya the 15th country in Airlink’s sub-Saharan route network and the third in East Africa. This service emerged after a landmark November 2022 agreement between Kenya and South Africa to eliminate trade barriers and strengthen bilateral economic ties. The agreement included South Africa’s decision to waive visa requirements for Kenyans visiting for up to 90 days, aligning with Kenya’s existing visa-free access for South Africans.
Airlink CEO and Managing Director Rodger Foster emphasized the importance of expanded connectivity for regional economic growth and tourism. “With Airlink’s network now encompassing Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and most Southern Africa Development Community nations, we provide travelers with unmatched regional and intercontinental options. These services support businesses in expanding their market reach while boosting tourism and generating additional foreign travel spend in both markets,” Foster said.
The new flights underscore Airlink’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity, fostering economic collaboration, and offering competitive options for travellers across Eastern and Southern Africa.
