Airlink applies for Lanseria to Harare, Bulawayo route

South African regional carrier Airlink (Pty) Limited has applied to expand its operations to Zimbabwe by adding two new routes connecting Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg to Harare and Bulawayo.

According to the amendment application submitted to aviation authorities, Airlink intends to operate 14 weekly return flights between Lanseria International Airport and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare. The airline also plans to introduce seven weekly return flights on the Lanseria-Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport route to Bulawayo.

The proposed expansion would mark Airlink's first scheduled commercial services from Lanseria - Johannesburg's privately owned secondary airport - to Zimbabwe.

Industry observers say the move could enhance regional connectivity and offer travellers an alternative to congested routes operated through OR Tambo International Airport, where Airlink already runs several regional services.

If approved, the new routes are expected to strengthen business and leisure travel links between South Africa and Zimbabwe, adding more flexibility and competition to one of southern Africa's busiest aviation corridors.