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Travellers will soon have another way to reach South Africans’ favourite Indian Ocean getaway, as Airlink is set to launch twice-weekly direct flights between Cape Town and Mauritius from October 2026.
The new service takes off on 2 October 2026, marking Airlink’s first-ever route to Mauritius… sorry, Joburg, this time we beat you to it!
It is the latest boost for Cape Town travellers heading for the Indian Ocean, following Airlink’s recent announcement that it will launch the first-ever non-stop Cape Town-Zanzibar service from 3 October 2026. That weekly Saturday flight will give holidaymakers a direct link to Zanzibar’s beaches and UNESCO-listed Stone Town, without having to connect via Johannesburg.
And now Mauritius is joining the Airlink map too.
But it is worth remembering that Cape Town travellers already have direct access to Mauritius, with Air Mauritius operating nonstop flights between Cape Town and Mauritius. South African Airways also offers three direct flights per week.
So, although Airlink’s new route isn’t the city’s first direct link to Ile Maurice, it does add fresh competition (which hopefully means lower fares) and a better choice of schedule options for leisure and business travellers. Airlink hasn’t released the exact schedule or fares as yet, but as soon as they do, we’ll update them here.
It’s little wonder that Mauritius has long been a favourite with South African travellers: it’s one of the most accessible tropical islands from Mzansi and offers an almost endless choice of hotels and resorts to suit pretty much any pocket. Throw in golf courses, bustling towns and some serious natural beauty, and it’s the perfect island escape for locals. But did we mention the visa? Well, the good news is South African passport holders won’t need one!
And you’ll be flying there in style aboard one of the latest aircraft to join the growing Airlink fleet.
“Our new flagship aircraft, the E195-E2, makes it possible for Airlink to conveniently connect Cape Town with Mauritius,” said Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht. “Cape Town is also an important source market and connecting hub for leisure and business travel wanting to travel to the island while avoiding the hassle and additional time connecting in Johannesburg.”
Airlink’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft will carry 124 passengers, with 12 seats in business class and 112 in economy. The 2-2 layout also means there are no middle seats, with every passenger seated either at a window or aisle.
On board, passengers receive complimentary meals and refreshments, while baggage allowances include 20kg for discounted economy fares and 30kg for full-fare economy travellers. Airlink also includes a 15kg sporting equipment allowance, useful for travellers packing golf clubs, dive gear or other holiday kit.
A busy year for Cape Town flights
The new Mauritius route adds to a fantastic run of air access news for Cape Town.
LATAM is set to launch direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town in July 2026, establishing a new (SAA already flies this route) direct link between the Mother City and South America.
Virgin Atlantic will also increase its London Heathrow-Cape Town schedule to 11 weekly flights for the 2026/27 summer season. Airlink’s new routes to Zanzibar and Mauritius will give Cape Town travellers more direct access to the Indian Ocean than ever before.
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