FlySafair’s new Cape Town-Hoedspruit service began yesterday (October 2), operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, said the decision followed strong demand on the Cape Town-Nelspruit route. “We’re hoping to see the same uplift in Hoedspruit that we saw out of Nelspruit. Both airports serve very different parts of the Kruger region, so this route broadens accessibility for travellers.”
Gordon noted that FlySafair was targeting a different niche in the market. “We cater for price-sensitive travellers who may be more flexible with their itineraries. Premium carriers focus on seamless international connections, while we offer a lower-cost alternative that still gets people into the region.”
A boost for accessibility
Bernard Roode, MD of Kapama and Executive Director on the Eastgate Airport Board, welcomed the development, highlighting the long-standing capacity constraints into Hoedspruit. “Current load factors on flights into Eastgate average about 91%, so demand far exceeds supply. FlySafair’s 189-seat aircraft will boost seat capacity by nearly 50%.”
Roode stressed the importance of additional lift for both international and domestic markets. “For the northern Sabi Sand and northern Kruger, flying into KMIA is not ideal because it requires an expensive transfer. Hoedspruit offers far greater convenience for those lodges.
“For the South African market, this is a game-changer. FlySafair’s fares make the Kruger affordable for Cape Town travellers, especially in the off-season when lodges depend on locals.”
He added that early uptake for October had been strong and suggested the route could soon become daily. “We’re convinced that demand will justify a daily service. Ultimately, this is not about splitting the market, it’s about growing it,” Roode said.
Gordon said FlySafair was working closely with provincial tourism authorities, airports and private-sector partners. “We’ve had such a warm reception up north. Collaboration with local stakeholders helps us drive promotion and ensure the success of these routes.”
Roode noted that further growth was possible. “With support from the Limpopo province, there are efforts under way to secure international licensing for Eastgate, which would eventually open direct access to regional hubs such as Victoria Falls, Botswana and Namibia.”
FlySafair’s new service departs Cape Town at 12h15 and arrives at 14h45, with the return leg departing Hoedspruit at 15h20, arriving back in Cape Town at 18h05.
