Airlink to start thrice-weekly direct Gqeberha–Mbombela flights from 16 November 2026

The service will operate using an Embraer ERJ140 aircraft with capacity for 44 passengers.

Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the route would provide a direct connection between the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, supporting both leisure and business travel.

“This new route pairs the respective gateways to the Sunshine Coast / Garden Route with the Kruger National Park and its surrounding lodges and other attractions.

"For leisure travellers, it will cut travel time significantly, avoiding the need to connect via Johannesburg. It will also support business travel between the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga’s economic and industrial hubs,“ said Engelbrecht.

Three weekly flights

Flights will operate from 16 November 2026:

Gqeberha to Mbombela: Flight 4Z 510, departing Gqeberha at 11.30am and arriving in Mbombela at 1.20pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Mbombela to Gqeberha: Flight 4Z 511, departing Mbombela at 1.55pm and arriving in Gqeberha at 3.35pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

All times are local.

The route is the first direct scheduled air service between Gqeberha and Mbombela, allowing passengers to travel between the cities without connecting via Johannesburg.

Airlink said bookings for the new service are open.

The ERJ140 aircraft has only window and aisle seats, with no middle seats.

Flights will include complimentary meals and refreshments. Airlink said its aircraft configuration also provides additional legroom.