More flights from Lanseria to Cape Town are coming, just in time for December

Flights from Lanseria to Cape Town are about to get a lot more competitive.

For years, one airline has had Johannesburg’s second airport almost to itself.

That’s about to change, just as the festive rush begins.

From Friday, 4 December, Airlink will start flying twice a day between Lanseria International Airport and Cape Town.

It will be the airline’s first scheduled domestic route from Lanseria.

That puts it in direct competition with FlySafair, which currently dominates the route.

WHO ALREADY FLIES FROM LANSERIA?

Right now, FlySafair is the only scheduled airline flying from Lanseria to Cape Town.

Lanseria is one of its hubs, and it also flies from the airport to Durban, East London, George and Gqeberha.

Lanseria hasn’t always been a one-airline airport. Kulula also flew from Lanseria until its parent company, Comair, collapsed in 2022.

Other airlines, including Lift and SAA, fly to Cape Town from OR Tambo.

WHAT THE NEW FLIGHTS LOOK LIKE

According to Airlink’s announcement, flights will leave Lanseria at 09:10 and 13:00 every day, and leave Cape Town at 09:20 and 13:30.

The airline plans to increase the service to four return flights a day from 22 March 2027.

Airlink chief executive officer De Villiers Engelbrecht said travel options on the route had been limited.

FlySafair’s dominance at Lanseria suggests that’s partly true. More competition usually means more choice, and often better fares, for travellers.

WHY FLIGHTS FROM LANSERIA ARE POPULAR

Lanseria is a privately owned airport on the western side of Johannesburg.

It’s especially convenient for travellers in western Gauteng and North West, who would otherwise drive across the city to OR Tambo.

Many travellers also choose it to avoid the busier terminals at OR Tambo.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR DECEMBER

The new flights launch just days before public schools close on 9 December.

That gives families heading to the coast one more option.

Fares for the new route haven’t been published, so compare prices across airlines before you book.

A WORD OF WARNING

If you book any flight through an airline app, be careful.

Airlink recently warned that people are phoning customers, asking them to download its app and hand over personal information or documents.

Only download airline apps from the official Google Play or Apple App Store, and never share your details with an unsolicited caller.

I’ll admit, anything that helps avoid the OR Tambo crowds in December sounds lekker to me.

But the real winner here could be your wallet. When two airlines compete on the same route, travellers usually benefit.