Airlink expands Nairobi service with night flights

SOUTH AFRICA – Airlink, a prominent independent regional airline, is set to introduce three weekly night flights between Johannesburg and Nairobi, starting March 30, 2025.

This addition enhances travel options for passengers and reinforces the airline’s competitive presence on the route, which it entered last year as the first private-sector carrier to do so.

The new flights aim to provide flexibility for travelers, particularly those on business or leisure trips, by complementing the airline’s existing daily services.

These flights are scheduled to integrate seamlessly with Airlink’s Johannesburg hub, offering connections to domestic and regional destinations and long-haul flights through the airline’s global partners.

Rodger Foster, Airlink’s CEO and Managing Director, emphasized the significance of the Nairobi route. “Kenya is a critical market for us. This connection between two major hubs plays a vital role in boosting trade, tourism, and economic activity.”

“Our convenient and competitive flights will ensure travelers have more options, supporting both countries’ tourism sectors,” he said.

The additional flights will operate on 98-seat Embraer E190 jets, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience for passengers.

Modernizing airport operations

Meanwhile, Lanseria International Airport (LIA) has taken a significant step toward modernizing air travel by launching an automated boarding system called “Tap and Fly.”

This system, introduced in the domestic terminal, is the first of its kind for domestic flights in South Africa.

“This innovation marks a major milestone in our efforts to transform Lanseria into a SMART airport,” said Rampa Rammopo, LIA’s CEO. “The Tap and Fly system will reduce boarding times, enabling our staff to focus on delivering exceptional customer service.”

The technology allows passengers to scan boarding passes or QR codes at automated gates, simplifying the boarding process while maintaining standard ID verification and luggage procedures.

It will also be extended to restricted staff access areas, where biometric and digital authentication will replace manual ID checks.

Lanseria’s commitment to improving efficiency and security aligns with its broader modernization strategy. Rammopo explained that future upgrades include biometric systems and self-service bag drops.

“Our focus is on enhancing the passenger experience while ensuring top-notch security standards,” he noted.

These developments arrive at a time of increased passenger activity, offering a smoother experience during the busy festive season. Lanseria’s proactive approach demonstrates its leadership as South Africa’s foremost privately owned airport.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.