Airlink officially launched their Harare and Durban route earlier this week, successfully touching down in the KZN city on 5 April.
The modern Embraer ERJ135 plane arrived in Durban on Tuesday, 5 April, to a hearty welcome from Durban Direct, the KZN Route Development Committee, who arranged a water cannon salute as the aircraft touched down.
According to Travel News, the flight landed with a full load of passengers, the first of many that’s expected to boost trade and tourism between the two cities.
Airlink to boost KZN tourism
Airlink’s Durban and Harare connection is one of many to help promote tourism in KZN. Airlink CEO, Rodger Foster, said that some of the airline’s recently launched routes will serve to enhance eThekwini’s and KwaZulu-Natal’s economic and tourism competitiveness.
“Many of you may have read or heard that Airlink recently launched other routes that will enhance eThekwini’s and KwaZulu Natal’s economic and tourism competitiveness. They include our new double-daily Durban-Gqeberha service and just yesterday we resumed direct flights between King Shaka International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport near Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit).” he said.
He also said that the routes highlighted the value that the airline attached to the eThekwini/KZN market and its belief in its potential.
Ravi Pillay, KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, stated that the new route would significantly improve the tourism sector’s recovery after COVID-19.
“Importantly, too, the air route opens the doors to the prospect of an altogether new era of air-based trade between Durban and its borders and Harare.” Pillay said.
The direct route linking Durban and Harare will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, with flights departing Durban at 10:30 and arriving in Harare at 12:40. Return services will then leave Harare at 13:20, arriving in Durban at 15:35.
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