Airlink on Friday October 2 operated its inaugural flight from Cape Town to Mauritius, launching a convenient new non-stop route between two of the most popular leisure and business travel destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean.
This is the airline’s first route to the island nation, with the twice-weekly service operated by Airlink’s new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, giving travellers in the Western Cape and surrounding region a direct alternative to connecting through Johannesburg.
“Our new flagship aircraft, the E195-E2, makes it possible for Airlink to conveniently connect Cape Town with Mauritius. The route is an important addition to Airlink’s network and strengthens the connection between these two important tourism and business markets,” said de Villiers Engelbrecht, Airlink CEO.
Airlink’s schedule for the route is designed so leisure travellers can maximise their holiday time and for business travellers to enhance their work itineraries without disruptive middle-ofthe- night or pre-dawn departures or arrivals.
The tropical island’s appeal extends well beyond its beaches. Mauritius’ luxury resorts, golf courses, turquoise lagoons and rich multicultural heritage offer a premier experience for travellers – of which more than 1.4 million visited the country in 2025, with South Africa among its largest source markets.
More than 140 South African businesses operate across Mauritius’s agricultural, manufacturing, consumer goods and ICT sectors, while the island’s established financial services and business process outsourcing industries support wider commercial ties between the two markets. Mauritius’ tax and offshore business incentives make the island a magnet for investment and trade.
Airlink’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft accommodate 124 passengers. This includes 12 in Airlink’s first-of-its-kind staggered Business Class configuration, providing travellers unmatched personal space and comfort. In Economy Class, Airlink’s two-by-two cabin layout means every passenger has a window or an aisle seat – there are no middle seats on Airlink’s aircraft.
All customers also benefit from generous legroom, large eye-level windows, ample overhead storage and power outlets. Onboard, customers are treated to complimentary meals and beverages, with Airlink’s cabin configuration providing generous legroom. All Airlink customers are also entitled to a 15kg sporting equipment allowance, in addition to a 20kg free luggage allowance for discounted economy class tickets, and a 30kg allocation for full fare economy travellers.
From today, Airlink flights between Cape Town (CPT) and Mauritius (MRU) will operate twice
weekly at the following times:
