After spending some time using Airlink Services, doing a lot of research and comparison with them and other Airlines, I have gathered enough to share my honest experience.Â
At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Airlink, as though it were my first experience there. However, I was sceptical at the moment, in a world full of promises, flashy ads, and enticing approaches.
I have had my fair share of disappointment when it comes to service providers, so I approached Airlink with cautious hope. But deep down, I was just looking for something I could rely on, something that wouldn’t let me down when I needed it the most.
After giving it a fair try and doing some research about Airlink service, here is my honest take on this airline service: what works, what could be better, is it legit and worth trusting, does it offer a fair price, and many more.Â
This review is for anyone like me looking for reliable airline services, so I will advise you to keep reading below to gain more knowledge.
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About Airlink?
Airlink is a regional airline based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and it is a privately owned regional airline that operates in over 45 destinations across South Africa and 15 across other African countries.
They are also known for having the largest commercial aircraft in South Africa, with a fleet of over 70 aircraft, serving both major and smaller towns in South Africa.
Furthermore, the airline is one of the oldest serving airlines, as it has marked 33 years of service and experience in 2025. Having such a long lifespan and recognition over the years, it has been a testament of reliability, punctuality, and comfort.
In this review, I will be discussing things you should know or want to know about these airlines, but first, let’s see their advantages.
Advantages Of Flying With Airlink
1. Safety and Legitimacy
Airlink is a well-registered and licensed airline in South Africa, covered under the African Civil Aviation Authority, that guarantees the international safety standard.Â
It has been functioning since 1992 and is a member of IATA, meaning it is regulated and recognised globally as a legitimate airline.
2. Affordable Plans
Compared to some bigger providers, Airlink often comes with budget-friendly packages for different people or organisations of users, like students, businesses, or everyday home users.
3. Access to Remote Destinations
They fly to over 45 destinations across South Africa, including hard-to-reach places like Skukuza, Vilanculos, and smaller regional towns. For travellers heading off to rural paths, this is a major advantage over other airlines.
4. Convenient Direct Flight
They offer a direct connection between smaller cities that would otherwise require long layovers or land transport. This helps save time and effort.
5. Reliable schedule and on-time performance
Airlink has been known and recognised for generally punctual flights. In many reviews, passengers mention minimal delays and efficient boarding, which is reassuring, especially when travelling across multiple countries.
6. Frequent Flyer Partnerships
They have interline agreements with major carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways. This makes connecting through Johannesburg or Cape Town to international destinations much easier, and you can often check luggage through to your final destination.
Is Airlink Airlines Legit And Trustworthy?Â
Yes, Airlink is a legit and recognised company. It is a well-registered and operating brand, known in several countries, especially in Africa.Â
Their services or Airlines are traceable, they have contact channels, and many users have been having genuine interactions and communication with them frequently.
What Are The Benefits Of Choosing Airlink Over Other Airlines?
I know this is the path where so many people who have been disappointed by other airlines are waiting. Here are some basic comparisons of this airline with others
1. Punctuality and Reliability
According to reviews and data, Airlink consistently ranks among the most on-time airlines in Africa.
Other regional Airlines often experience more delays, cancellations, or inconsistent scheduling.
2. Partnership with Major Global Airline
They also have interline and codeshare agreements with international airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways.Â
This means smoother connections, better luggage handling, and easier booking for travellers connecting internationally, something most domestic airlines can’t offer.
3. Safety Record And Certification
Airlink has a strong reputation for safety, which is supported by a well-regulated body like IATA that operates under full South African civil aviation authority regulation that protects the safety and standards of this airline.
Some newer or budget airlines may not meet the same standard and safety of this airline, and might as well not even keep to the standard of aircraft maintenance.
4. Free Checked Baggage And In-Flight Services
Most of their tickets include free checked baggage with up to 20 to 30kg, with free light meals or snacks. By comparison, low-cost carriers like other airlines often charge extra for both luggage and food.
5. Direct Flight To Remote Destinations
Unlike other airlines that serve big cities, Airlink connects travellers to smaller towns, game reserves, and remote regions like Skukuza and Vilanculos.
Unlike other competing Airlines, South African Airways usually doesn’t cover this route.
6. Convenience and Time Saving
They offer non-stop flights where other Airlines require layovers, especially on broader cross routes, e.g. from South Africa to Namibia. This saves travellers hours of travel time and hostel costs on stopovers.
7. Higher Comfort Level
They use Embraer regional jets like the E170 and E190 with no middle seats and more comfortable legroom than most budget airlines. Many budget carriers use cramped layouts with minimal padding and tighter seating.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) on AirlinkÂ
Is Airlink a Registered Company?
Yes, Airlink is a legally registered and well-regulated Airline with valid certification, government oversight, and international affiliations.
It is a privately owned South African airline that has been operating for over 33 years and has built a strong reputation for trust from thousands of travellers.Â
Let’s discuss some of the governing bodies that regulate the operations of these Airlines.
- Air operator certificate (AOC): Airlink is certified by the South Africa civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), which means it operates under strict aviation safety and regulatory standards.
- Iata Membership: Airlink is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which only recognises verified and properly licensed Airlines around the world if the IATA code is 4Z.
- Head Office: They corporate headquarters is located in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Website: www.flyairlink.com
- Operational History: The company has been operating since 1992, giving it over 33 years of operations and regional flight experience.
Is Airlink Affordable?
Yes, if you are looking for an affordable Airline, especially in African countries, then this Airline has got you covered.Â
Airlink generally offers a mid-range price depending on the route, and they also offer an affordable price, even with the regional flights within South Africa.Â
For example, let’s discuss the pricing of the regional route within South Africa. A one-way flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town may range between $100 – $250, depending on how early you book and the season.Â
If you want to find out more about their prices, you can find the booking process on their website, and this also appears on price comparison platforms like Expedia or Google Flights.
Why Should You Consider Airlink?
If you are travelling within South Africa and need to reach destinations that other Airlines don’t serve directly, Airlink is definitely worth considering. While it may not always be the cheapest option, it delivers good value in terms of comfort, reliability, and accessibility.
The Airline is legit and safe, and has built a strong reputation over decades of operations. For travellers heading to safari regions, remote towns, or crossing broader areas without the hassle of layovers, it is one of the best choices available.
Apart from Southern Africa regions, the airline also operates in other regions and remote towns of other African countries. It has built a strong reputation for reliability, comfort, and safety.
If you’re considering or interested in starting with Airlink, whether booking a flight, working with them, or potentially forming a business partnership.Â
Here are a few different paths you might be referring to. I’ll break them down based on easy understanding.
If You Want to book a Flight as a traveller or a Travel Agent, here are some easy steps on how to go about it.
- Visit their website, go to (www.flyairlink.com), and you can search for flights, compare prices, and book directly.Â
- Alternatively, use travel platforms like booking.com, Expedia, or Google Flights, and Airlink flights often appear there.
- Create an Account: For frequent travellers, creating a free account may help with managing bookings and earning rewards via their loyalty partners.
- Prepare Travel Documents: Make sure you have a valid passport, for international routes, a valid Visa, and travel insurance.
More Flight Booking Guides
Are you looking for an Airline you would want to partner with as a vendor, reseller or agency?
If yes, then you are in the right place. If you are a flight agent and looking for a genuine airline to partner with, then consider them as that genuine and reliable airline. Here are a few steps on how to start.
1. First, Identify Your Role: Are you a travel agency, logistics handler, cargo partner, or service provider?
Airlink does cargo, charter, and commercial partnerships, so clarify your niche.
Reach out to their corporate contact via email: Info@flyairlink.com or use their form at Https://www.flyairlink.com/contact.
2. Next Step, Be professional and specific about your proposal, with business documents.
3. Register as a trade partner: They may require accreditation or travel agency certification to sell their flight or represent them
If you’re registered under IATA or belong to a GDS platform, you are more likely to be qualified.
Conclusion
If you’re travelling within South Africa and need to reach destinations that other Airlines don’t serve directly, Airlink is definitely worth considering. It offers cheaper prices and is always punctual with its services.
This Airline has built a strong reputation over many decades of operations. For travellers heading to other African countries or heading to South Africa regions, this Airline is the best choice that will guarantee your safety.Â
It comes with so many benefits when travelling with it. Most of their tickets include free checked baggage with up to 20 to 30kg, with free light meals or snacks.
However, be sure to check baggage limits and cancellation policies, as customer service during changes or disruptions can be inconsistent.
My major reason for picking the airline is due to their years of experience, and the good reviews from people and other platforms as well.
Their services are top notch, with good relationships with their customers, which is why they have more returning people who patronise them.
Feel free to share your experiences with them using the comment section below, so others can agree with our review that they are the best. Thank you for your time.
