Airlink has applied for the rights to fly to more destinations currently operated by SAA, including the Johannesburg-Abuja route, which SAA suspended earlier this year.

SAA suspended flights to Abuja on March 6 due to repair work being done at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, but flights never resumed due to “operational reason”. Asked yesterday, November 14, when the route would be reinstated, SAA Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali, told Tourism Update: “The situation has not changed – that means, the route remains suspended. SAA will apply its re-accommodation policy to facilitate travel for passengers who may have had advance bookings.”

Airlink MD and CEO, Rodger Foster, confirmed that the carrier had applied to fly the Johannesburg-Abuja route, but he would not say whether it planned to take over the operating of the route as part of SAA’s 'route rationalisation' strategy. “It is common knowledge that SAA has elected to rationalise routes from its network and, as such, has withdrawn from some destinations and is in the process of discontinuing services in some instances. Separately, Airlink has successfully applied, or is in the process of applying in certain instances, to the International Air Services Council and the South African Aeronautical Authority for traffic rights and designation for [various routes, including Johannesburg-Abuja],” Foster said.

“Once fully compliant with all regulatory requirements, Airlink will commence services on new routes, some of which may have been previously served by SAA,” said Foster.

Central, West African routes in the pipeline

Johannesburg-Libreville, Johannesburg-Douala and Cape Town-Luanda are other routes that Airlink has applied for the rights to operate. “We have received decision letters from the International Air Services Council [in regards to these routes],” Foster told Tourism Update, but remained mum on what the decision was.

Airlink has also applied for the rights to fly to Brazzaville, Moroni, Mayotte and Cotonou, and awaits confirmation in regard to these applications. “We also have applications pending for additional routes in Africa,” Foster added.

He could not confirm when any of these flights would commence. “Airlink will follow due process as regard to designation and Foreign Operator’s Permits where these are required. Until all protocols have been complied with, it is not possible to determine a date for commencement of services,” Foster said.