South Africa's leading low-cost carrier FlySafair announced yesterday the addition of a new route to Zanzibar starting on April 8.

The airline will launch the route with a weekly flight on Saturdays and has opened booking for travelers wishing to fly to the vibrant destination. Since commencing operations under its own brand in October 2014, FlySafair has been serving domestic routes and strengthening its reputation as one of South Africa's favorite carriers.

A vibrant island destination

The airline will launch flights between Johannesburg OR Tambo International (JNB) and Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ) airports with a single weekly flight. Depending on the flight demand, the airline could add another flight during the week to the schedule.

Zanzibar is a famous holiday destination for travelers around Africa, and connecting it to South Africa is an excellent step for the low-cost carrier. FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon said in a statement;

“South Africa’s favorite low-cost carrier is excited to announce the launch of their most recent regional route between O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Abeid Amani Karume International airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar.”

Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, also attracts many tourists worldwide. However, not many international carriers operate direct flights to the Indian Ocean archipelagos; therefore, travelers have to connect through cities like Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam.

FlySafair first landing in Mauritius
Photo: FlySafair

In February 2022, most tourists were from Europe, with Polish tourists flying to Zanzibar more than anyone else. In the same month, South Africa was the leading African nation with tourists visiting Zanzibar, contributing over half of the total African travelers.

FlySafair is strategically located at its hub in Johannesburg and could leverage this to establish a profitable network between Southern Africa and the increasingly famous island. The carrier says the service to Zanzibar marks the beginning of a year of growth for the airline, which plans to add more regional routes to its schedule. Gordon added;

“Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful island destinations in Africa. This, along with the success we have seen flying to Mauritius, and the demand for our chartered flights to Zanzibar, were key players in our decision to add this route to our schedule.”

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FlySafair expanding its regional network.

Over the years, FlySafair has offered affordable flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, and Port Elizabeth, among other domestic destinations. The airline has now spread its wings beyond South Africa's borders to serve Mauritius and Zanzibar and plans to add more routes and aircraft to its fleet. It currently has a fleet of 23 Boeing 737-800s, two B737-400s, and one B737-400C.

Last year, South Africa's International Air Services Licensing Council (IASLC) approved the carrier's application to operate flights to ten new destinations. Earlier this month, IASLC granted the airline three additional services to operate flights to Windhoek, Harare, and Zanzibar, which will commence on April 8.

FlySafair flying over Cape Town
Photo: FlySafair

Between Johannesburg and Mauritius International Airport, the airline operates three weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Namibia is a famous tourist destination, and the airline plans to launch the Windhoek flights by the end of Q3 2023.

Zimbabwe is one of South Africa's important trade partners; therefore, the new route to Harare could be a gateway to increased travel and business opportunities. FlySafair continues to grow and currently holds 60% of South Africa's domestic air travel market.

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Source: AirInsightGroup