Airlink and St Helena Government announce 18-Month forward flight schedule!
Airlink’s 18-Month Flight Schedule Enhances St Helena’s Access from Johannesburg and Cape Town
The remote island of St Helena is set to become more accessible than ever, thanks to a newly announced 18-month forward flight schedule unveiled by the St Helena Government (SHG) and South African regional carrier Airlink. This development marks a significant milestone for both the island’s residents and the broader African tourism sector, offering unprecedented clarity and flexibility for travel planning well into 2027.
At the heart of the new schedule is Airlink’s commitment to maintaining its weekly Saturday service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St Helena Airport (HLE). This route has long served as the island’s primary air bridge to mainland Africa, ensuring consistent and reliable access for visitors, returning residents, and essential cargo. The continuation of this service underscores Airlink’s role as a lifeline for St Helena, supporting everything from tourism to healthcare and business logistics.
In addition to the Johannesburg connection, Airlink will sustain its monthly inter-island service between St Helena and Ascension Island. This route is vital for regional mobility, linking two of the South Atlantic’s most isolated communities and facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services across the ocean expanse.
Recognizing the growing demand for travel during the southern summer, Airlink is introducing a seasonal Tuesday return service between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and St Helena. Running from mid-December 2026 to mid-March 2027, this additional route will provide even greater flexibility for those seeking to experience St Helena’s unspoiled landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The Cape Town flights are expected to appeal to both leisure travellers and those interested in dual-centre holidays, combining the vibrancy of South Africa’s “Mother City” with the tranquility of the South Atlantic.
For the African travel sector, the release of this extended schedule is a game-changer. For the first time, flight operations are visible up to 18 months in advance, allowing tourism operators, local businesses, and individual travellers to plan with confidence. While flights are bookable up to 360 days ahead in line with Airlink’s reservation system, the forward-looking schedule provides a clear roadmap for future travel, supporting everything from group bookings to event planning and long-term business strategies.
This move is particularly significant for St Helena’s tourism industry, which has been steadily growing since the opening of its airport. The island’s appeal lies in its dramatic volcanic landscapes, unique biodiversity, and fascinating history—attributes that have drawn adventurous travellers from across Africa and beyond. By strengthening air access, the new schedule is expected to drive further growth in visitor numbers, supporting local employment and sustainable economic development.
For residents, the enhanced connectivity means improved access to essential services, educational opportunities, and family reunification. The ability to plan trips well in advance is a major quality-of-life improvement, reducing uncertainty and making it easier to coordinate with mainland schedules. For businesses, especially those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, the extended schedule provides the certainty needed to invest in new products, marketing campaigns, and partnerships.
The introduction of the Cape Town service during the peak summer months is a strategic response to seasonal demand patterns. It not only caters to the influx of holidaymakers but also opens up new possibilities for multi-destination itineraries. Travellers can now seamlessly combine a visit to Cape Town’s iconic attractions with an exploration of St Helena’s rugged beauty, creating unique packages that appeal to a wide range of interests and budgets.
From an operational perspective, the 18-month schedule reflects a broader trend in African aviation towards greater transparency and customer-centricity. Airlines and governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of long-term planning in building resilient, competitive tourism sectors. By providing clear, reliable information about flight frequencies and timings, Airlink and SHG are setting a new standard for regional connectivity—one that other destinations may soon follow.
As St Helena continues to position itself as a must-visit destination for African and international travellers, the enhanced air access is expected to unlock new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and cultural exchange. The island’s unique blend of natural wonders and historical intrigue makes it a compelling addition to any southern African itinerary, and the improved flight schedule ensures that getting there is easier than ever before.
For Africa’s travel industry professionals, the message is clear: St Helena is open for business, and the time to explore new partnerships and product offerings is now. With reliable, forward-looking air services in place, the island is poised to welcome a new wave of visitors—each one contributing to the sustainable growth and vibrant future of this extraordinary destination.
