Eswatini Air Set to Launch Historic First Direct Route to Lusaka This April
A significant development is on the horizon for Southern Africa's aviation landscape. The Kingdom of Eswatini's flag carrier, Eswatini Air, is preparing to introduce a groundbreaking nonstop service connecting the small but vibrant nation directly with Zambia's capital, Lusaka. The route is pencilled in for a 1 April 2026 launch, and if all goes to plan, it will mark the very first direct air bridge between these two countries.
Flights will operate between King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) in Eswatini and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka. For years, passengers wishing to move between the two destinations have had little choice but to route through Johannesburg, adding hours and complexity to their journeys. The upcoming nonstop connection promises to cut that travel time dramatically and remove the need for a stopover in South Africa altogether.
The carrier, which was established in 2022 under the state-owned Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation, has been on an impressive growth path since it first took to the skies. Operating under the motto "Everyone Must Fly," the airline has built its reputation around affordable short-haul services designed to stimulate tourism and regional connectivity. Its current network already covers key South African cities, including Johannesburg (OR Tambo), Cape Town, and Durban, as well as Harare in Zimbabwe. Adding Lusaka to the map represents a natural and strategic next step in the airline's regional expansion within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
For professionals in Africa's travel industry, this new route carries real commercial weight. Eswatini offers a rich mix of cultural heritage, game reserves, and authentic experiences that have been gaining traction among international visitors. Zambia, on the other hand, is a well-established safari powerhouse, home to destinations like South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and the mighty Victoria Falls. A direct link between the two opens up exciting possibilities for designing multi-country Southern African itineraries that were previously difficult to package without inconvenient connections.
Think about what this means in practical terms. A client wanting to explore the Hlane Royal National Park in Eswatini and then head to a luxury safari camp near Livingstone can now do so far more smoothly. Business travellers moving between the two nations will equally benefit from the time savings and added convenience. The route also positions both countries more competitively in attracting visitors who prefer seamless, hassle-free regional travel.
Details such as the exact flight schedule, frequency, and aircraft type have not yet been made public. The airline has indicated that these operational specifics, along with fare structures, will be released in the coming weeks. It is worth watching this space closely, as early access to schedule and pricing information can give travel professionals a head start in incorporating the new service into their product offerings.
The broader trend here should not be overlooked. Across the continent, smaller national carriers are stepping up to fill connectivity gaps that have long frustrated both leisure and corporate travellers. Eswatini Air's expansion is part of a wider movement towards better intra-African air links, something the industry has been advocating for over many years. Each new route that bypasses traditional hub-and-spoke patterns through a handful of major airports represents progress toward a more accessible and interconnected Africa.
As the April launch date approaches, the travel trade across sub-Saharan Africa should keep a close eye on fare announcements and booking availability. Routes like this one do not just serve passengers — they reshape how destinations are perceived, packaged, and sold. The Eswatini-Zambia corridor is about to become far more attractive, and those who prepare early will be best placed to capitalise on the opportunity.
