If you have Airlink flights booked from Pietermartizburg to Cape Town, don’t panic – your tickets will be fully refunded. The airline announced that it has cancelled flights between the two cities, as the route was “not developed”.
”This was not a decision taken lightly, but after almost 17 months, the route has not developed as we expected it would, impacted by the pressures of our economy and the relatively small catchment of the Pietermaritzburg resident market. In order to stem losses, we will suspend services from 29 September 2018,” explained Karin Murray, senior manager at Airlink.
The Pietermaritzburg – Cape Town service began operating in February 2017, and has provided flights to locally based government officials, private sector businesses, industries and communities located in and around Pinetown, Kloof, Hillcrest, Howick, Midlands and leisure travellers in its time.
“Sadly, the route has not become profitable, despite our collaborative best efforts – including significant marketing initiatives by the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Commerce, to promote the connection,” Murray said.
The airline currently operates daily return flights on the route using 37-seat Embraer ERJ135LR regional jets, and apologises for any inconvenience caused by the route suspension.
Flights between Cape Town and St Helena, as well as Pretoria to Cape Town, were also cancelled earlier this year.
Although these route suspensions do not bring good tidings for local traveller, the airline is boosting flight offerings to other places, and has launched direct flights between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.
If customers have confirmed flights on the route to take place after 29 September 2018, they will receive a full refund.
Customers with queries can call the Airlink Agent Helpline on 011 451 7350 or Airlink Customer Care on 027 11 451 7337/ 7371/ 7338/ 7395 or email [email protected]
Picture: Airlink