Airlink Announces First Non-Stop Flights Between Cape Town and Zanzibar

Regional carrier Airlink has unveiled plans to launch the first-ever non-stop service between Cape Town, South Africa, and the tropical island of Zanzibar, Tanzania. The new route is scheduled to begin in October 2026.

The weekly flights will operate on Saturdays using the airline’s brand new Embraer E195-E2 jets, with a flying time of just over six hours. Services are set to commence on 3 October 2026.

Zanzibar, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, has grown increasingly popular among travellers seeking pristine beaches and cultural heritage. The new Cape Town route builds on Airlink’s existing Johannesburg–Zanzibar services, which are scheduled to begin earlier that year on 3 June 2026.

The introduction of the Cape Town–Zanzibar link marks a significant expansion of intra-Africa connectivity, offering a seamless travel option for leisure and business passengers from Southern Africa’s tourism hub to one of the continent’s most sought-after island destinations.

Airlink has not yet announced fares for the new route, but bookings are expected to open several months prior to the launch date.