Airlink to continue Windhoek and Walvis Bay flight routes as SA closes land borders

Monque Adams
STAFF REPORTER



Following South Africa’s closure of all land borders, independent airline Airlink announced that it will continue with its comprehensive flight schedule and air route network in the region, of which the Windhoek and Walvis Bay routes will be serviced.

The airline said flights are scheduled to enable customers and personnel to comply with South Africa’s curfew and still commute to and from airports with sufficient time to complete the necessary health, security and immigration checks prior to departure.

“As a result, all Airlink flights depart after 08:00. Similarly, Airlink flights arrive at their final destinations for the day before 20:00, providing customers and personnel with sufficient time to reach their homes or places of accommodation before the 21:00 curfew,” the statement added.

According to Airlink managing director and CEO Rodger Foster, health and safety are critical, as is economic continuity, for which regional air travel is the only viable alternative.

“Airlink will continue to provide travellers with safe, reliable and affordable connectivity between South Africa and destinations throughout Southern Africa,” he added.

Currently Airlink serves Lubumbashi (D.R. Congo), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Maseru (Lesotho), Sikhuphe (Eswatini), Harare and Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), Gaborone, Maun and Kasane (Botswana), Windhoek and Walvis Bay (Namibia), Lusaka and Ndola (Zambia), Maputo, Beira, Pemba and Vilanculos (Mozambique) as well as numerous South African destinations.

South Africa this week decided to close its 20 land borders for all but cargo, emergency and exceptional travel, as countries across the region continue with efforts to curb Covid-19 infections and limit the pandemic’s harmful social and economic impact.