1 April 2025 marked a major milestone in Southern Africa’s aviation landscape as Airlink, the region’s premier independent airline, inaugurated its direct flight service between Cape Town and Gaborone.
The new route enhances regional connectivity and offers passengers a seamless travel option between two important economic and tourism hubs.
The inaugural flight departed Cape Town International Airport at 10:50 and touched down at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone at 13:00. Operated by a 44-seat Embraer E140 Regional Jet, the service will run three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The return leg departs Gaborone at 13:45, landing in Cape Town at 16:00, providing convenient scheduling for both business and leisure travellers.
Strengthening Southern Africa’s Air Connectivity
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This new non-stop route is strategically significant. Gaborone, Botswana’s capital, is a key centre for mining, finance, automotive, and technology sectors. It also serves as the headquarters of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and provides easy access to regional game lodges and the Gaborone Game Reserve, making it an attractive destination for corporate and tourism markets alike.
Rodger Foster, Airlink’s CEO and Managing Director, expressed confidence in the route’s potential:
“This service is a direct response to demand from both local and international travellers. It also enables easy connections to long-haul destinations via Cape Town, thanks to our partnerships with major global airlines.”
A Commitment to Regional Growth
The launch underscores Airlink’s commitment to expanding its footprint across Southern Africa and supporting intra-African trade, investment, and tourism. The airline has consistently positioned itself as a reliable carrier focused on improving access to secondary cities and under-served routes across the continent.
As African economies grow and regional integration deepens, enhanced air connectivity such as this plays a vital role in unlocking opportunities, fostering collaboration, and delivering a more connected continent.
