LATEST UPDATE - Travel Advisory More Details
LATEST UPDATE - Travel Advisory More Details
LATEST TRAVEL NEWS AND UPDATES
15 Feb 2026 - Travel Advisory - St Helena Airport
Airlink is pleased to advise that St Helena Airport has regained Category 6 accreditation for its firefighting capabilities following extensive repairs and successful commissioning tests, accepted by the independent regulator, ASSI. We are working closely with the airport authorities to restart scheduled services to and from St Helena Island, with the first flight planned for Tuesday, 17 February, subject to favourable weather conditions. Please note that tickets will not be sold for the flights on 17 or 21 February. Customers who are already booked on these specific flights should travel as normal. Remaining seats will be prioritised for repatriation and allocated based on length of delay. Solomons will contact affected customers directly. We kindly ask that customers do not contact Airlink or the airport regarding these allocations. Bookings for Tuesday, 24 February and beyond will reopen in due course. Airlink thanks customers for their patience and understanding during this period and looks forward to resuming normal operations.
Read More13 Feb 2026 - Travel Advisory
Due to Tropical Cyclone Gezani impacting the Mozambican coast, Airlink has suspended all flights to and from Beira and Vilankulos for today, with possible disruptions over the coming days, as these conditions affect safe operations. For assistance, please contact the Airlink Reservations Support Desk on +27 (0)11 451 7300, selecting Option 1, or your travel agent. Further updates will be shared as they become available.
Read More06 Feb 2026- Travel Advisory
Airlink regrets to advise of the cancellation of all flight operations to and from St Helena Island with immediate effect due to operational challenges at St Helena Airport. Customers requiring assistance with booking changes should contact the Airlink Reservations office between 05h00 and 21h00 daily at +27 (0)11 451-7300, selecting Option 1, or their travel agencies. For more information on the challenges at St Helena Airport, please follow this link: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena-resilience-forum… Airlink apologises for any inconvenience caused due to circumstances beyond our control. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Read MoreTechnical Notice
Frequent flyer details cannot be manually added during booking at this time. However, they can be added after the booking is completed via Manage My Booking. Alternatively, you may sign in to your Skybucks profile to book, or contact the Skybucks Team or Reservations for assistance on 011 451 7300.
Hoedspruit Flights Resume
Airlink has this morning resumed flights to and from Hoedspruit in Limpopo. However, this is subject to the local weather and conditions on the ground remaining favourable for flights. For updates on the status of flights, please check the Flight Info section on the website, Mobile App or contact your travel agent.
14 Jan 2026 - Hoedspruit Flights Affected by Floods
Airlink has suspended all flights to and from Hoedspruit in Limpopo due to severe floods, which have left many roads impassable and restricted access to the airport, which serves communities in the area as well as the nearby Kruger National Park and surrounding lodges and resorts. Flights will resume as soon as the relevant authorities declare it safe for the airport to resume operations. We are in constant liaison with local stakeholders, including SANParks and the various private lodges in the area, to assist passengers who are stranded at those destinations. Customers who are booked to fly to or from Hoedspruit this week will be updated as the situation evolves.
Service Disruption Notice: Flight Delays
Airlink advises customers that flights this afternoon and evening are delayed due to air traffic control constraints at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. The disruptions are caused by ATNS staffing shortages and the suspension or expiry of certain instrument flight procedures. These issues have led to departure delays, airspace restrictions, and some flight diversions, impacting the overall schedule. Airlink is working to recover operations and minimise delays. Updates will be shared via Airlink’s app, social media, and airport information screens.
Read MoreZimbabwe Immigration Update
Passengers traveling to Zimbabwe are now required to complete arrival forms online before departure, as paper forms are no longer in use. While iPads are provided at immigration in Zimbabwe for this purpose, completing the form on arrival may result in delays. To ensure a smoother and quicker journey through immigration, we recommend completing your form in advance by going to https://evisa.gov.zw/app/index.html
Read MoreSpecial Assistance Requests
Passengers with special requests are required to confirm their requests for assistance 72 hours before the flight, subject to availability.
Read MoreBook a Single Through-Fare Ticket to Avoid Delays
All international customers are urged to book one (1) single ticket with through-fares, as opposed to booking separate tickets to avoid flight delays. Please note that it is essential to read the fare rules.
Read More
LATEST UPDATE - Travel Advisory More Details
LATEST UPDATE - Travel Advisory More Details
LATEST TRAVEL NEWS AND UPDATES
15 Feb 2026 - Travel Advisory - St Helena Airport
Airlink is pleased to advise that St Helena Airport has regained Category 6 accreditation for its firefighting capabilities following extensive repairs and successful commissioning tests, accepted by the independent regulator, ASSI. We are working closely with the airport authorities to restart scheduled services to and from St Helena Island, with the first flight planned for Tuesday, 17 February, subject to favourable weather conditions. Please note that tickets will not be sold for the flights on 17 or 21 February. Customers who are already booked on these specific flights should travel as normal. Remaining seats will be prioritised for repatriation and allocated based on length of delay. Solomons will contact affected customers directly. We kindly ask that customers do not contact Airlink or the airport regarding these allocations. Bookings for Tuesday, 24 February and beyond will reopen in due course. Airlink thanks customers for their patience and understanding during this period and looks forward to resuming normal operations.
Read More13 Feb 2026 - Travel Advisory
Due to Tropical Cyclone Gezani impacting the Mozambican coast, Airlink has suspended all flights to and from Beira and Vilankulos for today, with possible disruptions over the coming days, as these conditions affect safe operations. For assistance, please contact the Airlink Reservations Support Desk on +27 (0)11 451 7300, selecting Option 1, or your travel agent. Further updates will be shared as they become available.
Read More06 Feb 2026- Travel Advisory
Airlink regrets to advise of the cancellation of all flight operations to and from St Helena Island with immediate effect due to operational challenges at St Helena Airport. Customers requiring assistance with booking changes should contact the Airlink Reservations office between 05h00 and 21h00 daily at +27 (0)11 451-7300, selecting Option 1, or their travel agencies. For more information on the challenges at St Helena Airport, please follow this link: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena-resilience-forum… Airlink apologises for any inconvenience caused due to circumstances beyond our control. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Read MoreTechnical Notice
Frequent flyer details cannot be manually added during booking at this time. However, they can be added after the booking is completed via Manage My Booking. Alternatively, you may sign in to your Skybucks profile to book, or contact the Skybucks Team or Reservations for assistance on 011 451 7300.
Hoedspruit Flights Resume
Airlink has this morning resumed flights to and from Hoedspruit in Limpopo. However, this is subject to the local weather and conditions on the ground remaining favourable for flights. For updates on the status of flights, please check the Flight Info section on the website, Mobile App or contact your travel agent.
14 Jan 2026 - Hoedspruit Flights Affected by Floods
Airlink has suspended all flights to and from Hoedspruit in Limpopo due to severe floods, which have left many roads impassable and restricted access to the airport, which serves communities in the area as well as the nearby Kruger National Park and surrounding lodges and resorts. Flights will resume as soon as the relevant authorities declare it safe for the airport to resume operations. We are in constant liaison with local stakeholders, including SANParks and the various private lodges in the area, to assist passengers who are stranded at those destinations. Customers who are booked to fly to or from Hoedspruit this week will be updated as the situation evolves.
Service Disruption Notice: Flight Delays
Airlink advises customers that flights this afternoon and evening are delayed due to air traffic control constraints at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. The disruptions are caused by ATNS staffing shortages and the suspension or expiry of certain instrument flight procedures. These issues have led to departure delays, airspace restrictions, and some flight diversions, impacting the overall schedule. Airlink is working to recover operations and minimise delays. Updates will be shared via Airlink’s app, social media, and airport information screens.
Read MoreZimbabwe Immigration Update
Passengers traveling to Zimbabwe are now required to complete arrival forms online before departure, as paper forms are no longer in use. While iPads are provided at immigration in Zimbabwe for this purpose, completing the form on arrival may result in delays. To ensure a smoother and quicker journey through immigration, we recommend completing your form in advance by going to https://evisa.gov.zw/app/index.html
Read MoreSpecial Assistance Requests
Passengers with special requests are required to confirm their requests for assistance 72 hours before the flight, subject to availability.
Read MoreBook a Single Through-Fare Ticket to Avoid Delays
All international customers are urged to book one (1) single ticket with through-fares, as opposed to booking separate tickets to avoid flight delays. Please note that it is essential to read the fare rules.
Read MoreChoose Preferences
The small coastal town of Vilanculos (or Vilankulo) is known for being Mozambique’s most popular destination for visitors, and for good reason. Its palm-fringed beaches and translucent blue waters provide a paradise-like setting, completely cut off from the chaos of life. Though small, Vilanculos has a variety of accommodation ranging from budget to barefoot luxury.
Vilanculos is loved for being the water sports capital of Mozambique. It known for being the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a World Wildlife Trust marine reserve and Mozambique's only underwater national park. The pristine coral reefs are teeming with a diversity of tropical fish and turtles, making it a world-class snorkelling and scuba-diving destination without the crowds. Whales are also seasonal visitors to the Archipelago and dolphins can be seen all year round. Other popular water activities include dhow cruises, fishing and kite-surfing.
For your return journey fly back to Johannesburg and travel beyond with Airlink to other key leisure destinations.
Book Flights to Vilanculos with Airlink
Where to stay
Airlink connects you to Vilanculos with direct flights from Johannesburg. Flights from Nelspruit to Vilanculos resume on 2 July 2021. Flights are now open for sale.
Santorini Mozambique
Santorini Mozambique, fronted by its own stretch of beach, commands panoramic sea views. The luxurious lodge offers a variety of beach activities.
Tourism Corporation Africa
Tourism Corporation Africa is an iconic organisation offering the epitome of luxurious travel at the most authentic and beautiful safari camps, lodges and pristine private islands on the African continent. You will feel the soul and heart of Africa.
Vila Do Paraiso
Vila Do Paraiso is your springboard to unlimited adventure set in the tropical paradise of Vilanculos. Six Sea Facing pool villas set right on the beachfront. The Lodge is perfect for corporate group getaways, bespoke weddings and family holidays. Contact Vila Do Paraiso for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel
With the emphasis on style and comfort, Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel offers luxurious and personalised accommodation and a variety of activities.
Casa Babi
Overlooking one of the most beautiful and lively beaches in Vilanculos, Casa Babi is a Boutique Hotel with a real B&B atmosphere. All the rooms offer fantastic sea-views and great comfort, one step away from the beach.
Pambele
A privately-owned, exclusive-use beach house with four beachfront villas accommodating up to 10 guests. Located in the Bazaruto Archipelago, within the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary on the San Sebastian Peninsula. This secluded paradise is nestled on pristine shores and surrounded by untouched wilderness, accessible by a 45-minute private motorized catamaran or a 7-minute helicopter flight from Vilanculos. Pambele offers barefoot luxury, desired privacy, and tailored experiences for multi-generational families and small groups.
Moyeni Lodge
A private and exclusive loge offering both a beach and bush experience. Ideally located on a peninsula in San Sebastian, Mozambique's remote Archipelago. Our luxury sea facing chalets are just a few steps away from the beach. Helicopter and private boat transfers can be arranged.
Mozambique Horse Safari
Come and share in the epic adventures of Mozambique Horse Safari. Open your eyes to a different world, where you will ride the beaches on a sprightly bay, swim in turquoise seas and share in our amazing way of life.
Odyssea Dive and Kitesurf
Odyssea organizes dive trips to the Bazaruto Archipelago for the sea lovers. Turtles, rays and sharks are the main guests of the pristine reefs. For the windy days, the flat and shallow water of the bay offers great condition to learn or improve your kitesurf skills.
Explore Vilanculos
Vilanculos is on the Mozambican coast, with excellent snorkelling, diving and fishing, and the Bazaruto Archipelago beyond the bay. Horse riding on the beach, traditional dhow cruises, and 4x4 self-drives in Zinave National Park are fun day excursions.
What to do in Vilanculos
Manyikeni Ruins
Manyikeni is popular among tourists due to the cultural nature of its history, specifically archeological history. The Manyikeni Ruins are built with mortarless stone walls and holds an iron gong – both present materials commonly existing in past Mozambique. If you are searching for a historical location to do some learning, Manyikeni Ruins is calling.
Odyssea Dive
If you love diving, the ocean or are searching for a new experience on your trip to Vilanculos, Odyssea Dive is the place to be and the activity to partake in. Odyssea Dive is a dive centre that is located on the edge of the crystal-clear waters, with access to an abundance of sea life for you to view.
Mozambique Horse Safari
Journey along Vilanculos’ coastline, making your way up sand dunes and towards the Mozambiquan ocean. The best part is embarking on this journey on horseback! The Mozambique Horse Safari experience is a magical experience that you will remember for a long time.
Bush and Beach Safari - Airlink
Experience the ultimate African bush and beach safari with Airlink. Seek out the Big Five in the renowned Kruger National Park and discover the sandy beaches and sparkly waters of Mozambique.