After a delay in securing its foreign operator permit from the Botswana government, CemAir will start flights between Johannesburg and Maun from May 1, just in time to benefit from the recent upgrade of what is one of southern Africa’s busiest airports.

The airline, which has been on an expansion drive post-COVID, will start with a daily flight between OR Tambo (JNB) and Maun International Airport (MUB), the main gateway for charter flights into Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta and other attractions, and a key launchpad into neighbouring countries.

CemAir CEO, Miles van der Molen, said: “Maun is set for a period of good growth, which we are looking forward to. The connection between OR Tambo and Maun is extremely popular, considering Maun’s importance as a launchpad to some of Africa’s best safari destinations. We are also pleased that the airport has been upgraded, to provide a smoother experience for our customers.”

The schedule is as follows:

JNB 12h15-14h00 MUB
MUB 14h30-16h05 JNB

Completed in January, the airport upgrade included an extension of the runway to 3.7km, allowing it to accommodate aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

Van der Molen said the airline would still be deciding on whether to use the 50-seat Bombardier CRJ100 or the 78-seat CRJ700 on the route.   

The terminal building has also tripled in size, from 1 200sqm to 3 790sqm, encompassing enlarged departure halls, meet-and-greet areas and an expanded public concourse. Additional upgrades include separation of security screening for domestic and international passengers, and several systems, installations and services that will bring the airport in line with international standards.

The terminal can now process 270 passengers per hour. Maun is one of the busiest airports in the southern African region, with the latest official statistics showing 200 929 passenger movements between January and October 2022.