Important Information About Airlink Flights to, From and via Johannesburg During the Level 4 Restrictions

• Majority of our flights remain unchanged
• Travel to, from and transiting via OR Tambo International on Airlink

Airlink, the South African-based domestic and regional airline, confirms that while the majority of its flights remain unaffected by the adjusted COVID-19 Level 4 restrictions, it is adjusting the schedule of selected flights so that its customers can comply with the revised curfew with minimal disruption to their travel plans.

The changes will affect selected Airlink flights that would usually land after 20:00 and others that are affected by the resultant aircraft and crew scheduling changes. In some instances, flights might be consolidated. These schedule adjustments will enable customers landing on evening flights to complete the arrival procedures and commute to their homes or accommodation by the 21:00 curfew. The schedule for all other Airlink flights remains unchanged. 

Under the Level 4 regulations, leisure travel to and from the Gauteng Province is prohibited, however, all other domestic and regional travel is permitted. It is important to note that travel for leisure to other destinations in South Africa, which involves transitting through Gauteng, including connecting flights at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, is also permitted.

“The well-being and safety of our customers, crew and staff is our priority. At the same time we want to provide continuity so that our customers reach their intended destinations and that markets across Southern Africa remain connected with positive economic consequences. Thanks to our stringent application and adherence to bio-security protocols, we have been able to demonstrate that flying is the safest way to travel and that we can continue to support and enable business, tourism and trade without spreading the  Coronavirus,” said Airlink Managing Director and Chief Executive, Rodger Foster. 

Passengers arriving on flights which necessitate onward travel during the curfew must retain and present their boarding passes or flight tickets to officials if asked to explain their movement outside the permitted hours of movement. 

Travellers flying to or from Gauteng for business or essential purposes should download and complete the relevant permits on bit.ly/3w5yofM as they may be required to present it to law enforcement or Port Health officials. 

Following is a list of flights cancelled this week and details of the alternative flights that customers will be re-booked onto. Airlink will communicate on its website, its social media channels and through the news media on any additional schedule adjustments that may become necessary during the Alert Level 4 restrictions.

Customers can view our flight schedule on the FlyAirlink app or on the website https://www.flyairlink.com/flightschedule 

Customers can postpone their travel and change their reservations using the “Manage My Booking” function on https://www.flyairlink.com/ - manage , on the FlyAirlink app or through their travel agents. General updates will also be available through Airlink Customer Care Monday to Friday – 08.00 to 16.30 on +27 11 451 7300

Health & Biosecurity

The safety and well-being of our passengers, personnel and aircraft are our top priority and We would like our customers and crews to fly with confidence. Our aircraft are equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, like those used in hospital operating theatres, which are effective at blocking 99.97% of particulates, including Coronavirus molecules. These help to continually sterilise the air in our cabins, which is  renewed entirely every three minutes. For more information please read this information from our inflight magazine site: https://www.skywaysmagazine.co.za/airflow/  

Together with the Airports Company South Africa, we implement all of the necessary effective sanitisation and distancing measure to stop the transmission of the COVID-19 virus while travelling on an Airlink flight.  While we are doing everything we can to provide a safe and bio-secure environment, this system is only effective if travellers, airline and airport personnel practice good personal hygiene and social distancing etiquette, i.e.: 

• Wear face-masks or coverings at all times in the airport and onboard our planes
• Frequently sanitise or wash hands with soap and water 
• Avoid touching mouths, noses, eyes and other people
• Do not travel if feeling unwell or if they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

About Airlink

Airlink was established in 1992 and is an independent, privately-owned and BBBEE airline. It offers travellers a wide choice of flights across its comprehensive network of Southern African destinations, which it serves with a fleet of more than 50 modern jetliners.

Like its industrious sunbird icon, in 2019 Airlink carried more than two million customers on more than 63 000 flights. Its current network includes more than 35 destinations in 11 African countries. Airlink’s flight schedule is regularly updated and reflects the effects of COVID-19 and associated travel restrictions. The latest information is available on the Airlink website here. 

Airlink was South Africa’s most punctual airline in 2020** and it continues to be top of the class. In May 2021 97.69% of Airlink flights departed on-time, illustrating its laser-focus on providing customers with excellent and reliable service.

* Flights serving Madagascar and St Helena Island will resume when the current travel restrictions are lifted.
**measured by the Airports Company South Africa.