Airlink, Southern Africa’s leading regional airline, is repositioning itself for a major expansion across East and Southern Africa. With a newly fine-tuned Johannesburg–Nairobi schedule and a fresh interline agreement with Uganda Airlines, the carrier is strengthening its role as a key driver of aviation and tourism growth on the continent.

Beginning March 2026, Airlink’s Nairobi schedule will shift to offer greater customer convenience, while the partnership with Uganda Airlines opens new travel corridors linking over 45 destinations across both regions. The move comes at a pivotal time as African tourism industries continue to rebuild and integrate after years of global downturn.

Airlink Adjusts Nairobi Schedule for Maximum Customer Convenience

Airlink confirmed it will revise its Johannesburg–Nairobi (JNB–NBO) schedule from late March 2026, prioritising streamlined connections for both business and leisure travellers.

The airline will introduce a daily early-morning southbound flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg, enabling arrivals at the start of the working day and ensuring access to O.R. Tambo Airport’s morning wave of onward connections.

Likewise, the daily northbound flight from Johannesburg will depart after lunchtime, perfectly timed for mid-morning arrivals from across Airlink’s domestic and regional network.

Airlink CEO De Villiers Engelbrecht said the improved timing is designed to increase flexibility for travellers who rely on efficient links between Southern Africa and East Africa:

“Nairobi is a key gateway to Kenya and the important East African market. Through Johannesburg, customers can connect to our domestic and regional services as well as long-haul flights with our global partners.”

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New Operating Times From March 2026

Johannesburg → Nairobi (4Z070) – Daily

• Departs: 13:30
• Arrives: 18:30
• Aircraft: Embraer E190

Nairobi → Johannesburg (4Z071) – Daily

• Departs: 06:30
• Arrives: 09:30
• Aircraft: Embraer E190

The updated timetable enhances travel efficiency for corporate travelers, holidaymakers, and connecting passengers from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Airlink and Uganda Airlines Sign Interline Agreement to Boost Africa Connectivity

In a significant regional development, Airlink and Uganda Airlines signed an interline agreement on 24 November 2025, allowing passengers to travel smoothly between Entebbe and more than 45 destinations across Southern Africa using a single ticket and through-check-in.

This partnership enhances travel fluidity between two fast-growing markets and aligns with both regions’ efforts to revive tourism and trade post-pandemic.

The agreement opens up seamless travel to iconic tourism destinations such as:

• Cape Town
• Durban
• Victoria Falls
• Windhoek
• Gaborone

Passengers from Uganda, and the broader East African community, gain access to Southern Africa’s diverse wildlife, beaches, adventure hubs, and heritage sites. Meanwhile, travellers from Southern Africa enjoy easier access to Uganda’s renowned attractions, including mountain gorillas, national parks, and cultural tourism circuits.

Tourism and Economic Impact: A New Era for Regional Integration

The Airlink–Uganda Airlines partnership is expected to fuel tourism recovery by:

• Simplifying multi-country African itineraries
• Increasing visitor numbers to both Uganda and Southern Africa
• Boosting trade and investment relations
• Strengthening local businesses such as hotels, tour operators, and transport services

With tourism serving as a significant economic engine for both regions, improved connectivity supports job creation, infrastructure development, and sustainable travel initiatives.

Industry analysts describe the partnership as “a model for Africa’s next generation of regional aviation cooperation.”

Strengthening Africa as a Global Tourism Hub

The combination of Airlink’s re-engineered Nairobi schedule and its interline deal with Uganda Airlines represents a strategic push to elevate Africa’s position on the global tourism map. By reducing logistical challenges and increasing accessibility, both airlines are laying groundwork for a more integrated and competitive aviation ecosystem.

With smoother cross-border movement and combined route strengths, Southern and East Africa are primed for a surge in both domestic and international tourism.

FAQ

1. What changes has Airlink made to its Nairobi schedule for 2026?

From 28–29 March 2026, Airlink will implement a new Nairobi–Johannesburg timetable featuring a daily early-morning departure from Nairobi and an early afternoon departure from Johannesburg. These changes are designed to improve connectivity, especially for passengers connecting through O.R. Tambo International Airport.

2. Why did Airlink adjust its Nairobi schedule?

Airlink updated its schedule to provide maximum convenience, allowing business travellers to arrive in Johannesburg at the start of the workday and offering smooth onward connections to over 45 domestic, regional, and international destinations.

3. What is the Airlink–Uganda Airlines interline agreement?

Signed on 24 November 2025, the agreement enables travellers to book single-ticket itineraries with through-check-in between Entebbe and Southern Africa via Johannesburg. This means passengers can travel across both networks without separate bookings or rechecking baggage.

4. Which destinations become more accessible through this partnership?

Passengers now enjoy easier access to cities including Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls, Gaborone, Windhoek, and numerous regional hubs across Southern Africa.

5. How does this partnership benefit African tourism?

The combined networks simplify multi-country tourism packages, boost visitor flows between East and Southern Africa, support wildlife and cultural tourism growth, stimulate local economies, and enhance Africa’s attractiveness as a global tourism region.

6. Will the Airlink–Uganda Airlines partnership improve trade?

Yes. By streamlining cross-border flights, the agreement supports smoother movement for business travellers, improves logistics, and enhances trade relations between East and Southern Africa.

7. What aircraft will Airlink use on the Nairobi route?

Airlink will operate the Embraer E190 on flights 4Z070 and 4Z071, offering comfortable regional travel with efficient fuel performance.

8. Are Airlink’s Nairobi flights daily?

Yes. Airlink’s updated schedule features daily services in both directions starting late March 2026.

9. How does this impact international travellers?

Passengers from Europe, Asia, the US, and the Middle East now have easier access to regional destinations through convenient same-day connections via Johannesburg and Nairobi.

10. Does this agreement strengthen Africa’s aviation sector?

Absolutely. The partnership is seen as a blueprint for deeper regional integration, increased passenger mobility, and the development of Africa’s aviation competitiveness.