King Phalo Airport in East London has welcomed the start of FlyCemAir’s new four times weekly flights from Cape Town on Thursday (April 6), noting that the inaugural launch of the air service to East London was great news for Buffalo City, growing air connectivity in the region.

“The launch of FlyCemAir air services to East London is a welcome addition to King Phalo Airport, improving the much-needed capacity on one of South Africa’s most popular routes – East London to Cape Town,” said local Airport Manager, Nicola Smith.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, King Phalo Airport handled between 20 and 30 flights a day, serviced by five airlines – Airlink; FlySafair; kulula.com; SAA and South African Express.

Propelling the recovery – today the airport services between 16 and 18 flights a day – with the introduction of FlyCemAir the airport will be servicing 20 flights a day.

Lizelle Maurice, Border Kei Chamber of Business CEO, says: “We extend our warmest welcome to FlyCemAir. The launch of the new route is significant to the region, as it stimulates our tourism and business sectors. East London has many untapped opportunities, and through this additional airline, we trust that these will be further unlocked. As the business sector, we pledge our full support and look forward to the growth of the airline in our region.”

Infrastructure maintenance programme

Smith said King Phalo Airport was ready to service the additional capacity that the route would bring and had embarked on an infrastructure maintenance programme that would be implemented in a phased approach.

“This will ensure ease of movement in and out of the airport facilities and enhance overall passenger and visitor experience. Domestic travel contributes substantially to Airport Company South Africa’s airport network traffic. Air services continue to play a vital role in the province, and we are excited to drive East London as a destination of choice connecting people to places, dreams and opportunities,” said Smith.