Cape town: Airlink on Monday announced the launch of the first non-stop flights between Cape Town and Zanzibar in October 2026, a move expected to improve regional travel options for Southern African tourists and business travellers. According to Namibia Press Agency, the airline, which partners with FlyNamibia through a franchise agreement, stated in a media release that the weekly service will commence on 03 October 2026. The flights will utilize Airlink's new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft and are specifically designed for leisure travellers. The airline emphasized that the schedule is crafted to maximize leisure time on the island without causing disruptions through middle-of-the-night or pre-dawn departures or arrivals. Airlink's Chief Executive Officer, de Villiers Engelbrecht, highlighted that the introduction of the new aircraft enhances the airline's capacity to expand regional destinations. He noted, "The introduction of our new flagship aircraft, the E195-E2, with its innovative business class and comf ortable economy seats, enables Airlink to bring destinations such as Zanzibar within convenient non-stop reach of Cape Town." Engelbrecht also reinforced Cape Town's status as a crucial hub for regional and international connectivity. Zanzibar's appeal as a destination continues to grow, with rising tourism and investment interest due to its beaches, marine life, historical sites, and expanding economy, according to the airline. The island's popularity as a tourism hotspot is further driven by agriculture, manufacturing, marine services, and offshore oil and gas exploration. Airlink also mentioned that the new service is part of an expansion strategy, following the imminent launch of its Johannesburg-Zanzibar route scheduled for June 2026. The airline currently operates a fleet of more than 70 aircraft, serving destinations across Southern Africa, Madagascar, and St Helena Island.