Eswatini Air launches operations
The new flag carrier of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Eswatini Air, has released its planned operating schedule, fares and notice of reservations systems going live. This marks and brings to an end of the long wait for the commencement date of Eswatini Air flights. The airline is set to introduce its service in four phases to ensure a smooth entry in the market.
Phase I: Launch of flights between King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) in Sikhuphe and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg in South Africa), operating two flights per day (an early morning rotation and a late afternoon rotation) effective 26 March 2023.
- eSwatini 07:00 > 07:45 Johannesburg
- Johannesburg 08:45 > 09:35 eSwatini
- eSwatini 16:05 > 16:55 Johannesburg
- Johannesburg 17:40 > 18:30 eSwatini
Phase II: Robert G. Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare in Zimbabwe will be added to the schedule effective 14 April 2023, offering four flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- eSwatini 10:15 > 11:45 Harare
- Harare 14:00 > 15:30 eSwatini
Phase III: King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban will be added to the schedule effective 05 May 2023, offering a flight each day of the week.
- eSwatini 17:30 > 18:30 Durban
- Durban 07:55 > 08:55 eSwatini
Phase III also includes introduction of a 3rd daily flight between eSwatini and Johannesburg to be operated in the afternoon.
- eSwatini 11:30 > 12:20 Johannesburg
- Johannesburg 14:10 > 15:00 eSwatini
Phase IV: This is the final launch phase and entails addition of Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town to the route network effective 02 June 2023. Cape Town will be operated three times per week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- eSwatini 10:20 > 12:50 Cape Town
- Cape Town 13:40 > 16:10 eSwatini
Eswatini Air's reservations and ticketing system is now open for bookings and ticket purchases.
Launch special fares are on offer for one-way flights inclusive of taxes ranging from:
- SZL 1,300.00 on flights between eSwatini and Johannesburg or Durban,
- SZL 2,100.00 on flights between eSwatini and Cape Town, and
- SZL 2,200.00 on flights between eSwatini and Harare.
