Airlink to Re-start Direct Johannesburg – Nampula Flights Supporting Trade and Tourism Between South Africa and Mozambique

Airlink, the Southern African regional airline, will resume direct flights between Johannesburg and Nampula from 16 September 2021, reviving business and tourism travel as well as vital air cargo transport between Mozambique’s northern capital and South Africa’s main commercial hub.

Bookings have reopened for Airlink’s twice-weekly service on the route, which was suspended in March last year, since which time it has only been possible to reach the city from South Africa via Maputo or Nairobi. 

“Given Nampula’s strategic importance as northern Mozambique’s key commercial centre for mining, agriculture and tourism, Airlink is proud and excited to have the opportunity to support and serve businesses in this region. By providing the crucial air connectivity we are able to play our part in promoting the development of critically important commercial, trade and economic ties between South Africa and Mozambique,” said Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.

Nampula is Mozambique’s third largest city and the capital of the province with the same name. It is situated 194 kilometres west and inland from the port towns of Nacala and Mozambique. It boasts a number of hotels and luxury lodges in the region including the new Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira 5-star boutique and luxury beach villas on the private island, Ilha Caldeira, just off the coast accessible by helicopter and light aircraft. The resort is scheduled to open in July 2022.

Airlink’s Johannesburg-Nampula service will be operated by modern Embraer Regional Jet aircraft and will provide travelers with seamless connectivity with Airlink flights across its comprehensive network of destinations within South Africa and throughout Southern Africa. 

Airlink’s great value for money Economy Class fares include a 20kg free economy class checked in luggage allowance plus a 15kg sporting equipment allowance. Onboard, our customers are treated to a complimentary light meal, refreshments, generous leg room and a choice of aisle or window seat (Airlink’s fleet of modern jet aircraft do not have any middle seats).

Flight Schedule – return flights will operate every Tuesday and Thursday

• 4Z 230 departs Johannesburg at 10.30, arriving at Nampula at 13.00 
• 4Z 231 departs Nampula at 13.35, arriving at Johannesburg at 16.15 

Please refer to our flight schedule guide for regular updates on www.flyairlink.com click on Plan Your Travel or contact your booking agent. 

COVID-19 Health and Safety onboard Airlink flights

During these stressful times, health and safety – yours and ours - remains our primary concern. Our aircraft are equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters (HEPA), which are effective at blocking 99.97% of particulates, including Coronavirus molecules. These HEPA filters continually sterilize the air in our cabins, which is renewed entirely every three minutes.

Read more about our Embraer ERJ Regional Jet Cabin Air Quality here.

Please also read this information about COVID-19 preventative measures onboard our flights. 

With Airlink you are safe and can fly with confidence – it’s easier than you think.

Mozambique and South African Biosecurity and Travel regulations

Please check with the appropriate Mozambican government authority for the latest regulations for travel from and returning to Mozambique.

South Africa has introduced additional measures for international travellers arriving in the country. Click here for information on these requirements. Please note that all arriving travellers are required to provide a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test certificate, issued by an accredited laboratory in line with World Health Organisation standards, no more than 72 hours before the date of travel. South African Authorities reserve the right to verify the authenticity of presented PCR test certificates. Arriving travellers unable to produce a valid certificate will be required to quarantine, at their own cost, for 10 days. South Africa also requires visitors to carry valid travel insurance policies that cover the costs associated with COVID-19 testing and quarantining.

For passengers flying from South Africa to Mozambique, there are some important steps and items you will need to follow before and as your proceed through any South African airport. Click here for information on these. 

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 and its network includes more than 30 destinations in 10 African countries and St Helena Island*. 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**. In June 2021 97.29% of Airlink flights departed on-time, illustrating its laser-focus on providing customers with excellent and reliable service.

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