Airlink will introduce the first-ever non-stop air service between Cape Town and Zanzibar from October 2026, using its new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.

NEW ROUTE TO COMMENCE IN OCTOBER

The weekly Saturday service is scheduled to begin on 03 October 2026, connecting Cape Town directly with the Tanzanian island destination in a flight time of just over six hours.

Bookings for the route are now open. The service will become Airlink’s second route to Zanzibar following the launch of Johannesburg–Zanzibar flights on 03 June 2026.

E195-E2 TO OPERATE THE SERVICE

Airlink will deploy its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft on the route. The aircraft accommodates 124 passengers in a two-class cabin layout with window and aisle seating only.

Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the introduction of the E195-E2 enables the airline to connect Cape Town directly with destinations such as Zanzibar while strengthening connectivity through the airline’s Cape Town hub operations.

LEISURE AND BUSINESS MARKET FOCUS

The airline said the schedule has been designed primarily for leisure travellers, avoiding overnight departures and arrivals.

Zanzibar continues to grow in popularity as a tourism destination, supported by its beaches, marine attractions and UNESCO-listed Stone Town.

Airlink also noted that Zanzibar’s economy is expanding through sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, marine services and offshore oil and gas activity, increasing demand from business travellers and investors.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

The weekly Saturday schedule will operate as follows:

• Flight 4Z 356 departs Cape Town at 08:15 and arrives Zanzibar at 14:30
• Flight 4Z 357 departs Zanzibar at 15:30 and arrives Cape Town at 20:50

All times are local. Zanzibar operates on East Africa Time (GMT+3).