Main runway repairs enable full commercial operations to restart

JOHANNESBURG, 19 February 2026 – FlySafair has resumed its scheduled flights to and from Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) with effect from 17 February 2026, following the completion of refurbishment works to the airport’s main runway.

The runway had sustained significant damage during severe flooding that affected Limpopo province in January. Although Hoedspruit Airport remained partially operational during the disruption, with smaller aircraft continuing to use the shorter secondary runway, the main runway required for larger commercial aircraft was rendered unsafe.

With extensive repair and refurbishment work now completed, full commercial operations have resumed.

Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, said the airline was pleased to return to Hoedspruit and reconnect passengers with the destination. He noted that the damage to the main runway had been extensive and that FlySafair’s fleet required the full length and structural integrity of the primary runway. He added that the airline appreciated the efforts of airport authorities in completing the necessary repairs.

Restoring regional connectivity

The reinstatement of services restores an important connection for both leisure and business travellers, particularly those travelling to the Greater Kruger National Park region and the wider Limpopo tourism corridor.

Passengers are able to book travel via the airline’s website.

About FlySafair

FlySafair operates as a low-cost carrier in Southern Africa, offering domestic services across ten destinations, as well as five international routes linking South Africa with neighbouring African countries. The airline commenced operations in 2014.

FlySafair has been ranked by Cirium as the top on-time low-cost airline globally and, in 2025, received five awards at the SACAA Civil Aviation Industry Awards, including Aircraft Operator, Aviation Innovation, People Development, Aviation Professional, and Best Airline by Public Vote. The airline has also received the Skytrax Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.