It’s (almost) business as usual for airline operators across South Africa as the country slowly gets back to normal this December. As more and more travellers begin to search for domestic flights, it would seem that local airlines are once again taking to the South African skies with a newcomer in their midst.
As long as you comply with strict safety regulations and have a negative coronavirus test certificate less than 72 hours old, international travellers can move freely within the country’s borders.
So, you don’t need to travel for miles by car from one of the international airports if you’re planning a holiday outside of Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban or if you’re in transit to another country.
Travellers should make sure they’re familiar with the requirements of their destination if they’re transiting through South Africa. They’ll need to comply with these regulations on departure too.
Health questionnaires aren’t required for domestic travellers anymore, but you’ll need proof of your negative PCT whenever you board an airplane, so make a few copies.
Layovers in South Africa
Passengers with long layovers are advised that the Marriott hotel at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is closed.
There is alternative temporary accommodation available, but this is basic and not of hotel standard. Apart from the hotel, all the other facilities at South Africa’s international airports are operating as normal.
Airlines Offering Domestic Flights in South Africa
While you can easily book domestic flights South Africa remains on high alert regarding the pandemic, so it’s important that you’re flexible in your arrangements.
At present, you’ve got plenty of options for travel within the country:
Airlink
This regional airline offers flights across southern Africa and is based at OR Tambo International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
From here you can fly to destinations like Sishen, Upington, Richards By, Polokwane and over 20 other destinations locally including Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.
You can also fly to Skukuza, Livingstone, and Vilankulo from Kruger Mpumalanga International. New routes between Johannesburg and Maputo, St Helena and Windhoek have just been announced too.
Other changes to Airlink as it parts ways with SAA include new livery featuring an African sunbird against the sunrise and dawn sky.
British Airways
British Airways resumes domestic flights in early December and intends to expand its offering to additional regional flights as soon as possible.
The airline’s SLOW lounges will be open at international airports and British Airways has promised a range of competitive rates on both economy and business class flights.
You can fly to and from Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town with British Airways and the airline also offers flights to and from George, Hoedspruit, Plettenberg Bay, Margate, and Bloemfontein
Kulula
Comair’s budget carrier, Kulula is taking to the air once again, resuming flights to and from George, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban, Johannesburg, Lanseria, and Cape Town.
Regionally, Kulula flies to Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Windhoek, Harare, Mauritius, and Nairobi via its partnership with British Airways.
FlySafair
FlySafair has been the only airline in operation throughout South Africa’s lockdown servicing essential flights and business travel. The airline’s pleased to welcome competitors back to ease the load now that domestic travel’s increasing again.
Mango Airlines
Mango Airlines is another low-cost carrier operating between major destinations in South Africa. You can ‘Fly Mango’ between Port Elizabeth, East London, George, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg.
Flights to Zanzibar are also currently operational.
Lift Airline
Lift Airline is South Africa’s newest domestic airline, launching in December, which operates according to rideshare principles.
The new concept means that passengers experience the true meaning of flexible travel in these trying times. Passengers can change, cancel, and amend bookings easily up to 24 hours before departure.
This works according to a novel, Lift Wallet concept, accessible 24/7 via the airline’s website. Any time you can’t make a flight, Lift simply refunds the price of your ticket into your Lift Wallet. You can use these funds to book an alternative flight with no cancellation charges.
If you’d rather have the cash back, the airline will refund your credit card.
If you need to make changes within 24 hours of your flights, nominal charges may apply.
Currently, Lift offers flights between Cape Town, George, and Johannesburg.
Safe Travels Within South Africa
Air travel’s the safest way to get around these days thanks to stringent safety measures and you’ll find tight safety protocols in place across the country during your travels. Thanks to a long period of isolation and travel shutdowns, the tourist industry has had months to prepare for the return of guests from all over the world.
Right now, it’s all systems go for travel to South Africa.
As long as you adhere to safety protocols, you’ll be totally safe while travelling within the country, but that doesn’t mean you can leave home without travel insurance.
During these challenging times, travel insurance is vital to ensure you receive the best care wherever you go in the world.
Travel insurance covers all the things that can go wrong during your trip, such as:
- Cancellations and interruptions to services
- Loss or damage to baggage and personal effects
- Medical emergencies
- Accident death and flight accidents
Most travel insurance providers also provide around the clock assistance with replacing lost passports and cash wire assistance.
There are many affordable travel insurance policies available nowadays, so don’t leave home without it.
Are You Ready to Travel to and around South Africa?
South Africa’s one of the world’s top travel destinations, with something to offer everyone. Mild weather, friendly people, stunning scenery, and adventures galore are just some of the things that await you on the southern tip of Africa.
Presently, tourist numbers are still comparatively low, so now could be the best time for you to make the most of your trip to or around South Africa.
(Syndicated press content is neither written, edited or endorsed by ED Times)
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