Airlink begins Cape Town – Gaborone flights

On the 1st of April, Airlink launched direct flights connecting Cape Town, South Africa, with Gaborone, Botswana.

Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details

The Cape Town-Gaborone route will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Departures from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) are scheduled at 10:50 AM, with arrivals at Gaborone’s Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) at 1:00 PM. Return flights will depart Gaborone at 1:45 PM, landing back in Cape Town at 4:00 PM. Airlink will utilize its modern 44-seat Embraer E140 Regional Jets for this route, offering passengers a comfortable flying experience.

Business and Leisure Significance

Gaborone serves as Botswana’s capital and is a pivotal hub for various industries, including minerals, resources, automotive, and technology sectors. The city also hosts the headquarters of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Beyond business, Gaborone acts as a gateway to numerous game lodges and the Gaborone Game Reserve, making it a significant destination for leisure tourism. Rodger Foster, Airlink’s CEO and Managing Director, highlighted that the new direct service is designed to meet the rising demand for travel between the two cities, providing seamless connections for both business and leisure travelers.

Regulatory Developments

Initially, in August 2024, Airlink faced regulatory challenges when the Botswana Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) informed the airline that it had not been granted authorization to operate the Cape Town-Gaborone route. This led to Airlink withdrawing sales and advertisements for the service. However, after addressing the regulatory requirements, Airlink received the necessary approvals, and the direct flights are now set to commence on April 1, 2025.