South African regional and domestic airline Airlink has announced that it is to reinstate direct flights between the cities of Durban and Bloemfontein. This service will recommence on February 26. This step is part of the airline’s programme to make Durban its third hub airport. The carrier already operates direct flights from Durban to Johannesburg, Gqeberha (previously known as Port Elizabeth) and Mbombela (Nelspruit), as well as to Harare in Zimbabwe.

“Airlink’s direct service between the two cities is in response to increased calls for convenient and efficient connections that boost productivity for travellers on the route, especially from the business and legal communities sectors [sic],” explained airline CEO and MD Rodger Foster. “This latest expansion of our comprehensive route network will promote economic activity between the two metropoles and their market catchment areas.”

The airline will operate morning and late afternoon flights between the two cities. The morning services will be operated on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The afternoon flights will take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The morning flights from Durban to Bloemfontein will be coded 4Z 531 and depart at 07h00, arriving at 08h00. The return flights will be coded 4Z 532 and leave Bloemfontein at 08h30 and reach Durban at 09h35.

The afternoon flights from Durban will be coded 4Z 537 and leave at 15h55, arriving at Bloemfontein at 16h55. The return flights will carry the code 4Z 538 and depart Bloemfontein at 17h40 and reach Durban at 18h45.

The flights will be operated by Airlink using its Embraer regional jets. Passengers will have a 20 kg check-in baggage allowance, plus a 15 kg sporting equipment allowance. Refreshments and a complimentary snack will be available.

Tickets for the restored service are already available. Airlink flights are, the airline points out, scheduled to ensure convenient connections with its other services and with those of its partner global airlines.