South African regional airline Airlink is significantly boosting its footprint in Southern Africa, announcing strategic enhancements to its route network that are poised to strengthen tourism, trade, and regional integration. These include the launch of a proposed new route between Johannesburg and Nacala, a deep-water port city in northern Mozambique, and the addition of a second daily service between Johannesburg and Walvis Bay, a key economic and tourist hub in Namibia.
Johannesburg–Nacala: Opening Up Northern Mozambique
Airlink has revealed plans to initiate direct flights between OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Nacala Airport (MNC), pending results from an ongoing feasibility study. This move reflects the airline’s long-term strategy to improve access to Mozambique’s northern economic zones. The airline is reportedly planning two flights per week, which would be the first direct air connection between the two cities.
The initiative has received support from the Governor of Nampula Province, Eduardo Abdula, who highlighted its potential to boost tourism and trade. Nacala, located in the Nampula province, is home to one of Africa’s deepest natural harbors, making it a growing logistics and development zone. Its pristine beaches and untapped tourism potential also make it a rising destination for eco-conscious and adventure travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in northern Mozambique.
Airlink already operates flights from South Africa to several Mozambican cities, including Maputo, Beira, Nampula, Vilanculos, Tete, and Pemba, and the addition of Nacala would further solidify its position as a regional leader in connectivity.
Doubling Down on Namibia: Two Daily Flights to Walvis Bay
Starting 4 July 2025, Airlink is increasing its service between Johannesburg and Walvis Bay from one to two daily return flights. This expansion reflects rising demand from both leisure travelers and the business community, with Walvis Bay emerging as one of Namibia’s top tourism and economic destinations.
The revised daily schedule includes:
- Flight 4Z141: Departs Johannesburg at 10:20 AM, arrives in Walvis Bay at 12:55 PM
- Flight 4Z142: Departs Walvis Bay at 1:40 PM, arrives in Johannesburg at 3:45 PM
- Flight 4Z143: Departs Johannesburg at 2:05 PM, arrives in Walvis Bay at 4:40 PM
- Flight 4Z144: Departs Walvis Bay at 5:25 PM, arrives in Johannesburg at 7:45 PM
Walvis Bay serves as a gateway to Namibia’s famed natural wonders, including the Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund, and the Sossusvlei dunes in the Namib Desert—some of Africa’s most sought-after eco-tourism destinations. According to the Namibia Tourism Board, these regions are central to the country’s sustainable tourism growth strategy, drawing visitors from Europe, North America, and beyond.
Strengthening the Southern African Aviation Network
These service enhancements come at a time when Southern Africa’s aviation industry is rebounding strongly from pandemic disruptions. With demand surging for efficient travel between regional capitals and emerging economic hubs, Airlink is positioning itself as a responsive and agile operator. CEO Rodger Foster has emphasized the airline’s commitment to aligning its growth with infrastructure development and national tourism objectives across the region.
“We are excited about the possibilities these new routes unlock—not only for tourism but for trade, cultural exchange, and regional development,” said Airlink spokesperson Alex de Villiers Engelbrecht. “We continuously evaluate opportunities to connect Southern Africa’s key destinations.”
Fueling Tourism and Bilateral Growth
Namibia, in particular, is seeing an upswing in international arrivals, with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism reporting that tourism contributed over NAD 5 billion to GDP in recent years. The government’s investments in sustainable tourism infrastructure—such as eco-lodges, wildlife conservation, and road upgrades—are bearing fruit.
Airlink’s increased service allows tourists and business travelers from South Africa, and via Johannesburg from international markets, greater accessibility to Namibia. The flights also help facilitate trade and logistics between the two countries, strengthening economic ties and enabling easier access to the port of Walvis Bay, which is crucial for transnational freight movement.
In Mozambique, enhanced access to Nacala provides not just a tourism benefit but also stimulates foreign direct investment and supports projects aligned with Mozambique’s national development plan, including its Northern Economic Development Corridor.
A Forward-Thinking Strategy
Airlink’s regional strategy is one of continuous growth, both in terms of destinations and frequency. Its ability to recognize underserved markets, such as Nacala, and capitalize on growing tourism destinations like Walvis Bay, gives it a competitive edge in a changing aviation landscape.
The airline’s expanding network also plays a crucial role in promoting Southern Africa as a cohesive tourism and business destination. As more routes are added and existing ones are strengthened, Airlink helps bridge gaps in infrastructure and unlock regional integration.
Travelers can expect seamless, reliable, and efficient options for exploring Southern Africa, while national economies benefit from increased mobility and international visibility.
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