Airlink will launch direct flights between Cape Town and Mauritius from 2 October 2026, creating a new non-stop link between South Africa’s Western Cape and the Indian Ocean island destination.
The airline will operate the route twice weekly, marking Airlink’s first scheduled service to Mauritius and further expanding its regional network across Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.
New route strengthens leisure and business links
The new service is designed to cater to both holidaymakers and business travellers, providing a direct alternative to itineraries that currently require connections through Johannesburg.
Mauritius remains a popular destination for South African travellers thanks to its beach resorts, golf courses and visa-on-arrival access for citizens from more than 140 countries. The island is also an important business and investment hub, with established financial services, technology, manufacturing and offshore business sectors.
Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the route would improve access between Cape Town and Mauritius while offering a more convenient travel option for passengers seeking to avoid additional connections.
“Cape Town is also an important source market and connecting hub for leisure and business travel wanting to travel to the island while avoiding the hassle and additional time connecting in Johannesburg,” he said.
Flagship aircraft to operate route
Airlink will deploy its new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft on the service. The aircraft accommodates 124 passengers, including 12 business class seats and 112 economy seats, with a two-seat configuration that eliminates middle seats.
The airline said flight schedules have been designed to maximise holiday time for leisure travellers while avoiding inconvenient overnight departure and arrival times for corporate passengers.
Expanding regional connectivity
Cape Town has become an increasingly important hub within Airlink’s network, providing domestic and regional connections as well as onward access through the carrier’s international airline partners.
The addition of Mauritius further strengthens connectivity between Southern Africa and one of the region’s most popular leisure destinations at a time when demand for direct air services continues to grow.
