FlySafair Expands Domestic Network with New Direct Routes Linking Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Safari
FlySafair, South Africa’s leading low-cost airline, is set to further enhance domestic air travel convenience with a significant network expansion rolling out in the final quarter of 2025. The carrier has announced the launch of two new direct services from Lanseria International Airport (HLA) in Johannesburg to the Eastern Cape, as well as new and expanded connections from Cape Town to key safari gateways in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
From 1 November 2025, travellers departing from Gauteng will benefit from direct flights to King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London, operating six times weekly, and to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), with daily service. These additions are designed to boost regional accessibility, offering both business and leisure passengers more affordable and time-saving options for reaching the Eastern Cape’s coastal cities.
The expansion continues with the introduction of a new route between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and Eastgate Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, commencing 2 October 2025. This service will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—providing seamless access to the Greater Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. This move is expected to attract both local and international tourists seeking direct, hassle-free travel to the heart of the country’s wildlife-rich Lowveld region.
In addition, FlySafair will increase its frequency between Cape Town and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela to daily flights starting 1 October 2025. This enhancement gives travellers even greater flexibility when planning trips to the Lowveld and surrounding private game reserves, further cementing FlySafair’s role as a key connector between South Africa’s urban centres and its world-class safari experiences [[1]](https://www.zawya.com/en/world/africa/flysafair-introduces-new-route-between-cpt-and-kruger-sa-du5gpsr9).
With these latest route launches and frequency increases, FlySafair is reinforcing its position as one of the country’s most connected low-cost airlines. The carrier’s growing network not only improves convenience for passengers but also supports regional tourism and economic development by making it easier for South Africans and international visitors to explore both coastal cities and renowned wildlife destinations.
For Africa’s travel sector, FlySafair’s expansion is a clear signal of the ongoing demand for affordable, direct air links that bridge the gap between business hubs, leisure hotspots, and natural wonders. The airline’s strategy aligns with broader trends in the continent’s aviation industry, where increased connectivity and competitive fares are driving growth in both domestic and inbound tourism.
As FlySafair continues to invest in new routes and enhanced frequencies, travel professionals can expect more opportunities to develop tailored packages, promote regional tourism, and offer clients greater choice and flexibility. The airline’s commitment to expanding its domestic footprint is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of South African travel, making it easier than ever for passengers to access the country’s diverse attractions—whether for business, leisure, or adventure.
