Airlink takes off to paradise: Johannesburg-Zanzibar flights set for June 2026

Airlink

Johannesburg – Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier airline, has announced it will launch a new route between Johannesburg and Zanzibar in June 2026, with tickets now on sale.

Zanzibar, a Tanzanian island renowned for its spices, beaches, forests, marine life, and luxury resorts, is increasingly attracting tourists from around the world, including South Africa.

The island’s UNESCO-listed Stone Town, with its labyrinth of streets featuring mosques, churches, bazaars, villas, a palace, and a museum marking the birthplace and boyhood home of late rock star Freddie Mercury, reflects a unique blend of African, Asian, and European influences.

With a flourishing economy, Zanzibar is also becoming a preferred destination for investors and business travelers.

“Zanzibar’s proximity to Johannesburg, Airlink’s main hub, puts the island within reach of our customers based in Gauteng. The timing of the flights allows for Airlink connecting flights from other destinations we serve across South Africa and the SADC region. Similarly, Airlink will provide convenient connections for customers travelling between Zanzibar and almost anywhere in the world on our world-leading partner airlines,” said de Villiers Engelbrecht, Airlink CEO.

Airlink will operate its brand-new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft on the new route, accommodating up to 136 passengers. Flights will operate twice weekly starting 3 June 2026, with the following schedule:

  • Flight 4Z 010: Johannesburg (JNB) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) – Wednesday and Sunday, departing 12:00, arriving 16:35.

  • Flight 4Z 011: Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Johannesburg (JNB) – Monday and Thursday, departing 12:00, arriving 14:55.

Zanzibar’s economy grew by 6.8% in 2024, with tourism accounting for 30% of GDP. Agriculture, including cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, seaweed, and seafood, remains another major source of foreign exchange. The island is projected to continue its economic growth, with foreign direct investment in construction and manufacturing rising 28% in 2025 compared with 2024. Much of this investment targets Zanzibar’s “blue economy,” including fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, and offshore oil and gas exploration.

The adoption of an efficient electronic visa system and the option of obtaining visas on arrival has further increased Zanzibar’s appeal.

Onboard Airlink flights, passengers will enjoy complimentary meals and refreshments. The airline offers generous legroom and a choice of aisle or window seats, with no middle seats. All passengers are entitled to a 15kg sporting equipment allowance, in addition to 20kg of free luggage for discounted economy tickets and 30kg for full-fare economy travellers.

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