FlySafair vs Airlink: Which SA Airline Should You Choose?

Quick Overview

FlySafair and Airlink are not really direct competitors — they serve different markets. FlySafair is a pure low-cost carrier dominating the high-frequency domestic routes. Airlink is a full-service regional carrier covering over 40 routes, including many smaller cities, Kruger-area airports, and neighbouring countries. Understanding this difference is the key to choosing correctly.

Route Networks

This is the biggest differentiator. FlySafair's strength is frequency on high-demand domestic routes — multiple daily flights on the Golden Triangle with competitive prices driven by volume. Their network is focused: they serve the major cities well and some secondary cities (George, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London), but not the smaller regional airports.

Airlink's strength is breadth. They serve over 40 destinations across South Africa and the region — including destinations that would otherwise require a long drive. If you need to get to Hoedspruit for a Kruger safari, Richards Bay for work, or Skukuza directly inside the park, Airlink is doing the heavy lifting.

• Unique to FlySafair: Lanseria (HLA) departures, best frequency on JNB–CPT and JNB–DUR
• Unique to Airlink: Hoedspruit (HDS), Skukuza (SZK), Phalaborwa (PHW), Richards Bay (RCB), Mthatha (UTT), Upington (UTN), plus Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, eSwatini routes
• Both serve: JNB, CPT, DUR, GRJ (George), PLZ/GQP (Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth), ELS (East London), BFN (Bloemfontein)

→ Full Airlink route guide and booking tips

→ Full FlySafair route guide and booking tips

Prices & Fares

On overlapping routes, FlySafair is almost always cheaper — often significantly. Airlink's operating costs are higher: smaller aircraft, more route diversity, and full-service overheads mean their base fares carry a premium. However, there's a catch: Airlink includes checked baggage in most fares. Once you add a 20–23 kg bag to a FlySafair booking, the price gap narrows considerably.

For routes where only Airlink operates, there's no comparison to make — Airlink sets the price. These routes tend to be pricier per kilometre, reflecting lower demand and smaller aircraft.

• On JNB–GRJ (George): compare both — Airlink and FlySafair both serve this route and prices can vary significantly
• On JNB–HDS (Hoedspruit): Airlink only — expect R2,500–R5,000+ one-way depending on season
• On JNB–CPT: FlySafair wins on price almost always; Airlink fares are higher on this corridor

Baggage Allowance

This is a meaningful difference. Airlink typically includes 23 kg checked baggage plus a 7 kg carry-on in Economy on most routes. FlySafair's base fare includes only the 7 kg carry-on — checked baggage costs extra (R150–R350+ per bag depending on weight and timing).

Practical implication: if you're travelling with checked luggage, always calculate the all-in price. FlySafair at R850 + R250 for bags = R1,100. Airlink at R1,100 all-in = the same. Always compare the total.

Aircraft & Experience

FlySafair operates Boeing 737-800s on its main routes — reliable, efficient, standard domestic experience. No frills, clean, punctual. FlySafair has consistently won South Africa's on-time performance rankings.

Airlink operates a mixed fleet including Embraer 135/145/170/190 regional jets and ATR turboprops on smaller routes. The Embraer 190 is a modern, comfortable regional jet. On smaller routes, the ATR or Embraer 145 feel noticeably different from a mainline 737 — smaller cabin, sometimes propeller aircraft, occasionally weather-dependent delays on turboprop routes. This isn't a criticism — it's just the reality of regional aviation.

Kruger & Safari Destination Routes

This is where Airlink genuinely shines and has no competition. If your trip includes a Kruger stay:

• Hoedspruit (HDS): Gateway to the western Kruger area, Timbavati, Kapama. Airlink flies JNB–HDS daily. ~1 hour flight vs 5-hour drive.
• Skukuza (SZK): Inside Kruger National Park. Airlink flies directly in from JNB. The most convenient airport for central Kruger lodges.
• Phalaborwa (PHW): Gateway to northern Kruger. Airlink flies from JNB. Also used for Kruger Gate Hotel and Balule reserves.

Flying into these airports vs driving saves hours and the fuel cost differential is often less than expected when vehicle wear, time, and fatigue are included. For guests at premium lodges, flying is standard.

→ Full guide: Flying to Kruger — which airport and airline to choose

The Verdict

• Choose FlySafair if: you're flying a major domestic corridor (JNB–CPT, JNB–DUR, CPT–DUR, JNB–GQP) and want the cheapest fare; or if flying from Lanseria is more convenient for you
• Choose Airlink if: your destination is a regional or smaller city (Hoedspruit, Skukuza, Richards Bay, Mthatha, Upington); or if you're travelling to neighbouring countries (Zim, Mozambique, Lesotho)
• Often not a choice: many regional routes only have Airlink. Check availability first before comparing prices
• On overlap routes: compare both — factor in baggage allowance to get a true like-for-like price