Escape to the beach just got a whole lot easier for Western Cape travelers. Southern African airline Airlink has announced it will launch a new, twice-weekly direct service between Cape Town and Mauritius starting on October 2, 2026.

The route marks a major shift for local travelers, who have traditionally had to navigate the time-consuming hurdle of connecting through Johannesburg. By bypassing a transit stop, the new non-stop flight is scheduled to ensure passengers avoid disruptive, middle-of-the-night departures or pre-dawn arrivals, allowing holidaymakers to maximize their time on the island.

Airlink is deploying its new flagship aircraft, the Embraer E195-E2, on the route. The modern jet is configured to carry 124 passengers, 12 in business class and 112 in economy. A massive plus for comfort seekers is the cabin design; the seating configuration means there are absolutely no middle seats on board, leaving travelers with only window or aisle options alongside generous legroom.

Mauritius remains one of the most effortless getaways for South Africans, offering a visa-on-arrival system that removes any pre-travel paperwork friction. Beyond its famous luxury beach resorts, world-class golf courses, and diving spots, the island has also grown into a sophisticated economic hub for financial services and Information Technology, drawing a steady stream of business travelers alongside leisure seekers.

To cater to the lifestyle market, especially golf enthusiasts and families, the airline is offering a complimentary 15kg sporting equipment allowance on top of standard luggage allocations, which range from 20kg to 30kg depending on the ticket tier. Onboard meals and refreshments are also fully included in the ticket price. Bookings for the inaugural October flights are officially open.

–ChannelAfrica/Airlink–