Capetonians will now, for the first time, be able to fly directly to Zanzibar without stopping. Southern African airline, Airlink, says the new first-ever non-stop Cape Town-Zanzibar route will open in October 2026. Travellers will be making their way to the island on the airline’s brand new Embraer E195-E2 jets.

Capetonians will now, for the first time, be able to fly directly to Zanzibar

According to a media statement, this will be Airlink’s second route to the increasingly popular destination and follows the imminent start of its Johannesburg-Zanzibar services on 03 June 2026. Meanwhile, the CEO for Airlink, De Villiers Engelbrecht, says customers currently holding Airlink tickets for Cape Town-Johannesburg-Zanzibar flights will be able to switch their bookings to the non-stop direct flight at no extra charge. He says this is irrespective of the fare class booked, provided it’s in the same cabin.

A new Zanzibar service

Engelbrecht added that Airlink will operate its brand new, state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 flagship aircraft on the new Zanzibar service. He says they accommodate 124 passengers in a 2-class cabin configuration with only window and aisle seats. Patrons are reminded that there are no middle seats on any Airlink flights. Engelbrecht added that flights to the increasingly popular island will operate on Saturdays from 03 October 2026. Travellers will have a flying time of just over six hours.

More about the island

The island is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination. Zanzibar’s flourishing economy is seeing it emerge as a magnet for investors and business travellers. The local economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, marine services, and offshore oil and gas exploration.