Airlink suspended its Johannesburg-Nosy Be, Madagascar route until June 27, 2021. This decision comes as Madagascar’s travel restrictions remain in place.
Airlink Managing Director and CEO Rodger Foster said in a statement: ‘We regret the impact this will have for those customers already holding confirmed bookings for the April/ Easter holidays. Unfortunately despite multiple efforts from the lodges on Nosy Be, the Nosy Be Tourism Authority, and Ravinala Airports, we have to date been unable to obtain certainty as to when Madagascar intends to reopen its borders for regional travel. This leaves us with no option but to cancel our planned flights on the route in the interim.’
Those with tickets will be able to rebook their flight for free, Foster explained.
‘We had multiple engagements with the Malagasy authorities. We are hopeful that the borders will reopen in time for the June and July peak South African holiday season and August to October period, which coincides with the return of the whale sharks to the island,’ added Foster.
On February 16 Airlink announced a new route between South Africa and Namibia, the fourth direct route between the two neighbouring countries.
The flights are due to launch on March 2. Airlink will operate the following weekday flights between Cape Town and Walvis Bay on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays:
- 4Z 382 departing Cape Town at 14h00, arriving at Walvis Bay at 16h15
- 4Z 383 departing Walvis Bay at 16h50, arriving at Cape Town at 19h00
Picture: Getaway Gallery
