East London, George and Kimberley airports will reopen and resume operations from July 21, following Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula’s announcement in a news release from the Department of Transport on July 16.
David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, says George is a critical transport link for business travellers to gain access to the Garden Route district.
Starting July 22, CemAir will start flying between Johannesburg and George once a day, Monday to Friday and on Sundays. Shaniel Singh, CemAir national sales manager, told Tourism Update that plans were in motion for Kimberley flights.
FlySafair will offer Johannesburg-East London flights every day except Saturdays, starting July 24. Cape Town-East London and Johannesburg-George flights will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays from July 27.
Kirby Gordon, head of sales and distribution at FlySafair told Tourism Update that tickets would be available online immediately.
Airlink meanwhile will re-introduce services between Cape Town and George on Monday 27 July.
“We are delighted to be able to resume our flights, in line with the reopening of this key Western Cape airport. We received many calls, mails and social media posts during the COVID lockdown enquiring as to when we would be able to resume our services and know that our flights can play an enabling role in the revival of the economy of the region,” reads a statement from the airline.
Marketing and sales manager for Airlink, Karin Murray added: “Our initial re-introductory service will be significantly reduced relative to our normal pre-pandemic offering, with flight departure and arrival times aimed at satisfying our overnighting business and essential travel customers. “
Flights will depart from Cape Town at 15h40 arriving at George at 16h35. The return flight from George will depart at 17h00 arriving at Cape Town at 18h00, operating initially on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Regarding Airlink’s plans for KIM and ELS flights, Murray said the flights would depend on demand for those regions, based on business and essential travel requirements.
Tourism Update contacted Mango to ascertain route expansions in the near future to these and other airports. An airline representative said only that the routes were still under investigation.
