Airlink, a budget carrier from South Africa, has introduced daily flights from Johannesburg to Nairobi

Airlink, a budget carrier based in South Africa, is set to increase competition on the Johannesburg-Nairobi route currently served by the national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ). Starting in April 2023, Airlink will launch direct flights from OR Tambo International Airport to Nairobi, joining its existing routes to Dar es Salaam and Entebbe as reported by Business Daily.

Although Airlink has not disclosed the ticket cost, it is expected to be more affordable than competitors, with Kenya Airways charging an estimated Sh180,400 for a round-trip ticket on the same route.

In addition, Airlink CEO and managing director Rodger Foster announced that the carrier would use an Embraer E190 jetliner, which can accommodate up to 98 passengers.

The new route supports the agreement reached between Kenya and South Africa in November 2022 to eliminate trade barriers and strengthen commercial ties.

This follows South Africa’s decision to remove visa requirements for Kenyans visiting the country for up to 90 days (South Africans do not require visas to visit Kenya).

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