South Africa’s low-cost airline scene is buzzing, and not just because planes are back in the skies. From FlySafair collecting yet another top global award, to Airlink expanding its fleet with next-gen jets, and the surprise news that Mango Airlines might finally make a comeback after four years on the ground, the country’s aviation sector is making real strides.
This, together with the highly impressive strides that SAA is taking in expanding its fleet, is not only breathing hope back into South African aviation but is promising a return to cost-effective travel. We took a look at the strides being made behind the hangar doors of our airlines.
FlySafair Flies High (Again)
If you’ve flown locally in the past few years, there’s a good chance it was with FlySafair — and for good reason. The airline has just been named Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held in Paris. This is the fourth time FlySafair has taken top honours in this category, and it’s a clear nod to the airline’s consistency, reliability, and customer focus.
“For more than a decade, we’ve worked tirelessly towards providing South Africans with affordable, hassle-free, and on-time travel,” said Kirby Gordon, the airline’s Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s always encouraging to see this commitment recognised on a global stage.”
Skytrax’s awards aren’t handed out by a panel of judges; they’re based on one of the largest passenger satisfaction surveys in the world. That means it’s the flying public themselves who rated FlySafair above the rest.
One area the airline continues to shine is punctuality. In May alone, FlySafair posted a 95.45% on-time performance, and it hasn’t dipped below 93% in 2025. That’s a standout in a region where delays are all too common.
And it’s not just about flying on time. FlySafair has also launched Lindi, the country’s first free AI-powered travel assistant, available 24/7 via WhatsApp. Whether you want to book a flight, change your seat, or get travel updates, Lindi’s got you. “We’ve always looked to tech to improve the customer experience,” says Gordon. “AI is helping us take that even further.”
Airlink Looks to the Future with New Fleet
While FlySafair is dominating the low-cost space, Airlink, the country’s leading full-service regional carrier, is gearing up for big changes of its own. The airline has announced plans to lease 10 brand-new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, set for delivery from later this year through to 2027.
These jets are more fuel-efficient (up to 29% savings compared to older models), quieter, and can carry more passengers, around 33% more seats than Airlink’s current E190 aircraft. That means lower costs, fewer emissions, and better value for travellers.
“This is a major boost for our business,” said CEO De Villiers Engelbrecht. “It helps us stay competitive on key routes, while offering more seats and keeping our high standards of service.”
The new planes also come with longer range, allowing Airlink to expand into new parts of sub-Saharan Africa, further solidifying its position as a key player on the continent.
And Then… Mango?
In one of the more surprising twists this year, it looks like Mango Airlines might actually be coming back.
The state-owned budget airline, grounded since July 2021 and placed under business rescue, has entered the final stages of a deal with a potential investor. If all goes well, Mango could soon return to South African skies, something many thought unlikely after four years of silence.
According to Sipho Sono, the business rescue practitioner, the deal is close to being finalised. As part of the process, Mango has launched a verification portal for customers who had unflown tickets or unused vouchers when operations stopped. If the transaction is successful, those vouchers will be honoured when flights resume.
“This could be a huge moment,” says Sono. “There’s a lot of work still to be done, but we’re closer than ever to seeing Mango return.”
If the deal falls through, affected customers would instead be treated as creditors and receive partial refunds. The portal for verification is open on Mango’s website until 1 September.
Big Moves, Bigger Impact
Taken together, these developments mark an exciting turning point for South African aviation. Whether it’s FlySafair’s international recognition and digital innovation, Airlink’s forward-thinking fleet upgrade, or the unexpected (but very welcome) revival of Mango, the message is clear: local airlines are not just surviving, they’re evolving.
For South Africans, this means better service, more travel options, and continued affordability in a region where flying has historically been expensive and unreliable. And for the continent? It’s a sign that African carriers are ready to compete globally — with confidence, quality, and heart.
