Travel agents have welcomed Airlink’s entry on to the Johannesburg-Zanzibar route, voicing expectations that it will improve competitiveness and offer more flexible times on a route previously dominated by FlySafair.
From June 3, 2026, Airlink will introduce two weekly flights between Johannesburg and Zanzibar.
Agents say the biggest win is for travellers who previously had to overnight in Johannesburg to catch FlySafair’s early-morning departure.
Lianne Barnard, Founder of Wander World Travel, said previously many clients had to budget for an overnight in Johannesburg before and after their Zanzibar trip, because flights from other cities didn’t arrive early enough to make FlySafair’s 09h00 departure. “With Airlink’s 12h00 departure, guests can fly in the same day, and connect immediately. Same on the return,” she added.
Glenda Ingram, Owner of West Beach Travel, believes this is going to benefit clients in Cape Town in particular. “The Airlink flights are going to be amazing for Capetonians who will no longer have to overnight in Joburg for the early FlySafair flight.” She added that she expected most of her Cape Town-based clients to choose Airlink because of the convenience.
More competition, better fares
“With only one other South African carrier offering direct flights to Zanzibar, the arrival of Airlink represents an important boost in capacity and choice. It means more flights, better flight times and increased competitiveness, which is great for travel demand,” said Victoria Webster, GM of Commercial at The Holiday Factory.
Barnard added that she hoped to see better deals during peak seasons.
Growth in Zanzibar
Webster believes that the new Airlink flights will complement Zanzibar’s current growth and improve accessibility, particularly at new hotel and resort developments, such as the new Diamonds Bijoux Resort opening in December.
Webster sees the island’s growth accelerating as international brands and luxury investors enter the market and the accommodation pipeline expands. “Direct flights are a game-changer for resort bookings. When a route like Airlink’s new service opens, it removes friction, makes destination access easier and boosts appeal. For South Africans eyeing new openings in Zanzibar, including resorts like Diamonds Bijoux Resort, convenient flight access means more seats, more flight options, less travel hassle, which in turn drives higher booking intent,” said Webster.
Barnard said this could also contribute to lowering costs across the island. “Zanzibar was always the cheapest island holiday for South Africans, but started getting more expensive, so this will now hopefully change that.”
