15 October 2026

Airlink Launches Inaugural Cape Town-Mauritius Flights

Airlink inaugurated its twice-weekly Cape Town-Mauritius service on 2 October 2026, operating Embraer E195-E2 aircraft and providing a non-stop alternative to connecting through Johannesburg.

An Airlink Embraer E195-E2 taxiing at Mauritius airport with a Mauritian and a South African flag at the cockpit windows, two ground handlers in high-visibility vests in front and mountains behind. — [© Airlink]

Edited by:

African Pilot Newsdesk

Why this article matters
Airlink’s new service allows passengers to fly directly between Cape Town and Mauritius without connecting through Johannesburg. Operating twice weekly with the Embraer E195-E2, the route provides another travel option for both leisure and business passengers.

Of Interest
- Airlink launched its first service to Mauritius on 2 October 2026, operating non-stop between Cape Town and Mauritius.
- The route operates twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Airlink is using its Embraer E195-E2 on the service.
- The aircraft accommodates 124 passengers, including 12 Business Class seats.
- The new route gives travellers in the Western Cape a direct alternative to connecting through Johannesburg for flights to Mauritius.

Airlink landed its inaugural flight from Cape Town to Mauritius on 2 October 2026, launching a new non-stop route between two 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.

de Villiers Engelbrecht, Airlink CEO, said, “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.”

Airlink’s schedule for the route is designed so leisure travellers can maximise their holiday time and business travellers can enhance their work itineraries without middle-of-the-night or pre-dawn departures or arrivals.

Beyond its beaches, Mauritius has luxury resorts, golf courses, lagoons and a multicultural heritage. More than 1.4 million travellers 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 attract investment and trade.

The Embraer E195-E2 aircraft deployed on this route accommodates 124 passengers. This includes 12 in Airlink’s staggered Business Class configuration. 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.

An Airlink Embraer E195-E2, registration ZS-ARF, lifting off in misty weather with its landing gear still extended. — [© Airlink]

Customers have legroom, large eye-level windows, overhead storage and power outlets. Onboard, customers receive complimentary meals and beverages. 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.

Airlink flights between Cape Town (CPT) and Mauritius (MRU) operate twice weekly at the following times: