South African-based airline Airlink has announced it will resume services between Johannesburg and Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal, from September 19. This is now possible due to Richards Bay Airports’ ability to resume services after a break of 20 months.
The resumption of the Airlink flights is due to the reopening of Richards Bay Airport for scheduled services. The airport was closed in 2020 due to a ban on domestic travel in South Africa due to COVID-19. Speaking in 2021, as the airport was making preparations to reopen, Mdu Ncalane, Communications Manager at uMhlathuze Municipality, said,
We will ensure the airport complies not only with aviation regulations but also with all Covid-19 health and safety regulations and protocols.
Richards Bay Airport will welcome back this important route that, before the pandemic, was operating three flights per day.
Airlink recognizes the importance of Richards Bay Airport to the economy of KwaZulu-Natal and looks forward to resuming the link with Johannesburg. Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster, said,
“Richards Bay is vital to the economies of KwaZulu-Natal and the entire country. It’s viability and development depend on a fully-functioning and efficient transportation system, with air connectivity playing a key role in driving business and investment in the coal-terminus town and the industries it hosts. We are ready to welcome Richards Bay customers back onboard our flights and help reignite growth and economic activity in the area.”
Airlink has been ready to resume scheduled services between the airports, and the final hurdle was approval from uMhlathuze Municipality. Approval has now been completed, and flights will be phased in initially by Airlink before the full schedule is implemented.
From September 19, the initial schedule involves one morning flight in each direction from Monday to Thursday and one daily afternoon flight, except Saturday, in each direction. Flights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays will be introduced from September 22. Flights on Saturdays will then resume from September 24. From October 31, there will be additional flights from Monday to Wednesday. Finally, the full schedule will be in operation from December 16, when the mid-morning departure from Johannesburg and the subsequent return from Richards Bay in the early afternoon will operate daily.
Airlink will deploy its Jetstream 41 aircraft on the route. The twin turboprops provide a capacity of 29 seats.
The resumption of flights to Richards Bay will enable passengers to connect with the codeshare partners of Airlink to international destinations. Photo: Airlink
The resumption of flights provides an economic boost
Richards Bay and the surrounding area is a center of industry. The resumption of the flights will make it easier to travel to the area, boosting business and tourism. Since the airport had been closed for scheduled flights, many travelers flew to Durban and then drove to Richards Bay.
Airlink operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft and boasts an expansive network across Southern Africa. The airline flies to over 45 destinations, most of which are reopened following the travel restrictions during COVID-19.
Airlink has codeshare agreements with other airlines, including the recently announced deal with Emirates. This will enable passengers from Richards Bay to resume international connections through the codeshare airlines.
Source: https://simpleflying.com/airlink-johannesburg-richards-bay-resumption/
