South Africa’s privately-owned regional carrier Airlink has applied to the International Air Services Council for the right to operate new routes between Lanseria International Airport (HLA) in Johannesburg and Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe.
If approved, the airline plans two daily flights to Harare and one daily flight to Bulawayo — marking the first time these cities would be linked directly with Johannesburg’s northern airport, Lanseria.
This application could signal a significant shift in how travellers and airlines think about connectivity between South Africa and its northern neighbour. But it also raises important questions about demand, sustainability, and regional integration.
Why This Route, and Why Now?
Airlink’s move comes at a time when regional travel demand is recovering strongly, but market dynamics have changed since the pandemic. Many travellers — particularly business commuters, Zimbabwean diaspora, and SME traders — are seeking shorter, more convenient flights that bypass the congestion of O.R. Tambo International.
Lanseria offers just that: a smaller, faster, and more accessible airport for travellers from northern Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the North West province.
Airlink’s decision also aligns with its fleet strategy. The carrier operates one of Africa’s largest fleets of Embraer 135 and 140 regional jets, ideally suited for thinner, high-frequency regional routes. These smaller aircraft can fly profitably where larger jets might struggle to fill seats.
6 Key Questions
As the application moves through regulatory review, several important questions arise:
- Is there enough demand to sustain two daily Harare flights and one to Bulawayo?
- Can Lanseria handle the operational and customs requirements of international routes efficiently?
- How will Airlink price these flights relative to existing Johannesburg–Zimbabwe services from O.R. Tambo?
- Could this move cannibalise Airlink’s own operations from O.R. Tambo — or strengthen its network by capturing a different customer base?
- What does this mean for Zimbabwe’s connectivity and tourism recovery, especially with Victoria Falls and Bulawayo still rebuilding inbound travel?
- And finally: will this route model — smaller aircraft from secondary airports — become the blueprint for Africa’s next wave of regional air connectivity?
The Pros: A Smart, Customer-Centric Move
There’s a lot to like about this plan.
- Convenience and accessibility – Lanseria’s location makes it a time-saver for travellers in Johannesburg’s booming northern corridor, reducing airport transit times dramatically.
- Network diversification – By operating from Lanseria, Airlink can tap new market segments and spread operational risk across multiple airports.
- Better fleet utilisation – The airline’s smaller Embraers are perfect for routes like this, where demand is moderate but consistent.
- Boost to regional trade and tourism – The flights could make it easier for Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, South African suppliers, and tourists to travel, strengthening cross-border ties.
- Support for Lanseria Airport – The airport has long sought to attract more regional traffic and establish itself as Gauteng’s second international gateway. Airlink’s move could catalyse that ambition.
The Cons: Thin Margins and Market Uncertainty
Still, it’s not without risk.
- Demand volatility – While business and diaspora traffic exist, the load factors needed to sustain three daily round trips may be challenging in low seasons.
- Economic instability – Zimbabwe’s fluctuating currency and ongoing forex shortages can complicate revenue repatriation and pricing consistency for foreign airlines.
- Higher unit costs – Operating smaller regional jets means higher cost per seat, which could push fares up if yields are tight.
- Regulatory hurdles – Even though the South Africa–Zimbabwe bilateral agreement is close to “open skies,” operational clearances, ground handling, and customs arrangements still take time to finalise.
- Competition pressure – Carriers already serving the Johannesburg–Harare corridor may respond with aggressive pricing or schedule adjustments, intensifying competition.
What This Could Mean for Southern Africa
If Airlink’s application is approved — and if the route proves viable — the implications could be far-reaching.
For South Africa
- Positions Lanseria as a genuine secondary international gateway.
- Encourages other airlines to consider operating from secondary airports.
- Reduces pressure on O.R. Tambo, particularly for regional short-haul routes.
For Zimbabwe
- Provides greater accessibility for both leisure and business travellers.
- Supports tourism revival to Bulawayo and beyond.
- Enables more competitive fares through increased seat capacity and frequency.
For African Aviation
- Demonstrates how smaller aircraft + secondary airports can improve connectivity in a liberalised market.
- Could set a precedent for intra-African expansion, especially where major hubs are congested or costly.
- The Bigger Picture: Integration in Action
Beyond passenger convenience, routes like Lanseria–Harare are emblematic of Africa’s gradual aviation liberalisation. Under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, countries are encouraged to open skies, increase frequencies, and expand access to secondary cities — a critical step toward a truly connected continent.
Airlink’s application, if approved, could become one of the more visible examples of that integration in practice.
What to Watch Next
- Regulatory approvals from both South African and Zimbabwean authorities.
- Route launch dates and promotional fares once confirmed.
- Load factors and passenger uptake during the first six months.
- Potential expansion to Victoria Falls if Harare and Bulawayo perform well.
Final Take: A Calculated Risk Worth Taking
Airlink’s Lanseria–Zimbabwe proposal isn’t just about opening new routes — it’s about reshaping how Southern Africa connects. It’s a bold move that leverages convenience, smart fleet strategy, and market insight. But it will require strong marketing, competitive fares, and consistent service to succeed.
For travellers, it could mean shorter queues, faster travel, and more choice.
For the aviation industry, it’s a test case: can smaller airports like Lanseria drive Africa’s next connectivity revolution?
