Airlink inaugurates new Zanzibar-Johannesburg route

South African regional carrier Airlink (4Z) inaugurated twice-weekly year-round service between Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on 3 June 2026, per the airline's official announcement. The route is operated by Airlink's newly introduced Embraer E195-E2 flagship jets, making Zanzibar the first international destination served by the airline on the E195-E2 type. The aircraft accommodates up to 136 passengers in a two-class, no-middle-seat configuration; economy passengers receive a complimentary meal service and a 20 kg checked luggage allowance.

The service will increase to three weekly return flights between 15 December 2026 and 13 January 2027 to meet peak southern-hemisphere summer holiday demand. The Johannesburg route is the first of two planned Airlink services to Zanzibar: a Cape Town–Zanzibar link is scheduled for 3 October 2026, which will be the first-ever nonstop service between the two cities. Airlink's Johannesburg hub connects to 48 destinations across 15 countries in southern and eastern Africa, providing onward connectivity for Zanzibar-bound passengers via its partner airline network. According to Aviation Week, the airline is deploying the E195-E2 on the route as part of a broader introduction of its new flagship to international markets. Airways Magazine confirmed the June 3 JNB start date alongside the later Cape Town service announcement.

Sources

• https://www.laranews.net/airlink-inaugurates-new-zanzibar-johannesburg-route
• https://www.flyairlink.com/cpt-to-znz
• https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/routes-networks-latest-rolling-daily-updates-wc-june-1-2026
• https://airwaysmag.com/new-post/airlink-to-introduce-cape-town-zanzibar-flights