Airlink Launches New International Route Linking South Africa to Mozambique’s Nacala

Johannesburg — Regional airline Airlink has launched a new international route connecting South Africa to Nacala, Mozambique’s third-largest harbour city, expanding air access to one of the country’s key trade and logistics hubs.

The inaugural flight took place earlier this week, marking Airlink’s seventh destination in Mozambique and strengthening regional connectivity between Southern Africa’s major economic corridors.

Nacala serves as the gateway to the Nacala Corridor, a vital transport route providing landlocked countries such as Malawi and Zambia with access to ports along Africa’s eastern seaboard, as well as markets in Asia and the Middle East.

Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the addition of Nacala brings an important air transport component to the region’s existing road, rail, and maritime infrastructure.

“By adding Nacala to our network, Airlink is positioning the city as a truly multi-modal transport and logistics node for the region,” Engelbrecht said.

He described the new route as a potential catalyst for economic growth, supporting trade, tourism, and business development in northern Mozambique.

Nampula Province Governor Eduardo Mariamo Abdula welcomed the launch, saying improved air connectivity would benefit the wider region.

“Having Airlink connect Nacala with the rest of the world will incentivise travel, stimulate investment, and unlock the region’s full economic potential,” Abdula said, adding that it would help improve the socio-economic landscape of northern Mozambique.

Flight Schedule and Pricing

Flights depart Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30, arriving in Nacala at approximately 13:30, with flight times averaging between two-and-a-half and three hours.

Return flights depart Nacala on the same days at 13:45, landing in Johannesburg at 16:35.

Airlink said the route will initially operate with two return flights per week, using its Embraer regional jet aircraft, with the potential to increase frequency as demand grows.

The airline’s lowest return fares on the route are priced at just over R11,000.

Expanding Regional Footprint

Airlink has operated in Mozambique for more than 30 years and currently flies over 60 weekly return services to destinations including Maputo, Beira, Pemba, Nampula, Tete, Vilanculos, and now Nacala.

The airline said the new route is privately funded and forms part of its broader strategy to improve regional connectivity and offer seamless links to domestic, regional, and long-haul international flights.

“We are starting modestly, but we see enormous potential in this route and intend to add capacity as demand increases,” Engelbrecht said.