LIFT Airline is preparing for its first step into international aviation, having applied to the International Air Services Council (IASC) for permission to launch three weekly flights between Durban and Mauritius.
If approved, this would mark the airline’s debut beyond South Africa’s borders, expanding its current domestic network of Johannesburg–Cape Town, Johannesburg–Durban and Cape Town–Durban flights.
LIFT aims for international connection
The move comes as demand for flights to Mauritius continues to grow.
The island remains one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations, currently served by airlines such as Air Mauritius, South African Airways, and FlySafair (which operates seasonal flights).
Durban, in particular, has limited long-haul connectivity, meaning LIFT’s entry on this route would boost KwaZulu-Natal’s international air links.
The application aligns with LIFT’s broader strategy of measured expansion, launched in 2020, prioritising flexible operations and strong on-time performance.
Approval from the IASC is still pending, and the airline has not yet announced potential launch dates or aircraft deployment.
