South African travellers may soon have another direct route to the island paradise of Zanzibar.
Regional airline Airlink has revealed plans to expand its East African network by introducing daily flights between Cape Town and Zanzibar.
If approved, it will be the first time Cape Town enjoys a non-stop link to the Tanzanian archipelago, a move expected to be warmly welcomed by holidaymakers.
Airlink’s plans for flights to Zanzibar
Travelnews reported that the airline has applied to the International Air Services Council (IASC) for permission to operate the new service, which would connect Cape Town International Airport directly with Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
This application follows Airlink’s recent announcement that it will launch twice-weekly flights between Johannesburg and Zanzibar from 3 June 2026.
Those flights are scheduled to depart Johannesburg on Wednesdays and Sundays, returning from Zanzibar on Mondays and Thursdays.
The expansion is part of Airlink’s broader strategy to strengthen regional connectivity as well as meet rising demand for leisure travel between Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Convenience for travellers
Zanzibar has grown into one of Africa’s most sought-after island destinations, known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, spice farms, and UNESCO-listed Stone Town.
Tourism makes up a significant share of the island’s economy, and improved access from major South African cities is expected to drive further growth.
The IASC will review Airlink’s application before granting traffic rights. Should the approval go through, launch details and flight schedules will likely follow within months.
For travellers, the direct Cape Town route would cut travel time and remove the need to connect through Johannesburg, which would be a big win for convenience.
