Airlink connects Johannesburg and Richards Bay once more

Airlink officially resumed its route between Johannesburg and Richards Bay, with its first flight taking off yesterday, 19 September.

Airlink touches down in Richards Bay

Yesterday, 19 September, saw Airlink resume their Johannesburg and Richards Bay service, after a 20-month hiatus. The reinstatement of daily flights came after Richards Bay Airport managed to secure the necessary resources to accommodate scheduled airline services after a 20-month shutdown due to COVID-19 regulations.

The continuation of flights on this route means that the airline will be able to re-connect Richards Bay with the world, offering a choice of convenient connections for passengers, to their expansive network of domestic and regional destinations, as well as those around the world through their global airline partners.

ALSO READ: Flying Cape Town to Maputo in half the time – Airlink launches new route

Airlink CEO and MD, Rodger Foster said that  by reinstating the route, Airlink is enhancing Richard Bay’s competitiveness and its attractiveness as a modern, efficient industrial destination for trade, investment and job creation

“Richards Bay plays a crucial role in KZN’s industrial and trade mix and Airlink’s flights connect the coal terminus town and the businesses it hosts to other markets and economic centres. ” Foster said.

“We have looked forward to welcoming Richards Bay customers back on board and, with the necessary support and service from Airports Company South Africa, the City of uMhlathuze and the Provincial Government, we will be able to play our part in developing the local economy.” Foster added.

Services began with the airline operating its 29-seat Jetstream 41 turboprop airliners on the flight, but Airlink plans to use larger jets once sufficient traffic volumes have been achieved on the route, reports travel news.