Why It Matters
Enhanced connectivity strengthens trade links for Zambia’s mining hub and positions Airlink as a key regional carrier for business traffic. The added capacity may stimulate economic activity and attract further investment to the Copperbelt.
Key Takeaways
- •Second daily flight added on Mon, Wed, Fri
- •Early‑morning departures from Ndola on Tue, Thu, Sat
- •Targets business travelers in mining‑heavy Copperbelt region
- •Airlink now serves over 45 Southern African destinations
- •Improves Zambia‑South Africa trade and investment flow
Pulse Analysis
Airlink’s schedule expansion reflects a broader trend of airlines deepening intra‑African routes to capture high‑value business traffic. By positioning an early‑morning arrival in Johannesburg, the carrier addresses a long‑standing pain point for executives who need to sync with global markets after a night in the Copperbelt. This timing advantage not only improves passenger convenience but also aligns with cargo windows, allowing mining firms to expedite shipments of copper and cobalt to export hubs.
The Copperbelt region accounts for a substantial share of Zambia’s GDP, driven by mineral extraction and processing. Reliable air links are critical for talent mobility, supplier visits, and rapid decision‑making. Airlink’s additional flights provide a direct conduit for engineers, financiers, and procurement teams, reducing reliance on longer, less frequent connections through Lusaka. The overnight positioning of aircraft in Ndola demonstrates operational flexibility, optimizing aircraft utilization while meeting demand spikes on peak business days.
From a strategic perspective, Airlink’s move strengthens its competitive stance against larger carriers that dominate Johannesburg’s hub. By offering twice‑daily service on select days, the airline can capture market share from charter operators and legacy airlines that lack similar frequency. The initiative also signals confidence in Southern Africa’s post‑pandemic recovery, encouraging ancillary services such as airport retail and ground handling to expand. As regional integration initiatives gain momentum, Airlink’s enhanced route may serve as a template for other carriers seeking to link resource‑rich secondary cities with major economic centers.
Airlink Scales Up Service to Zambia
Additional flights will start next month.
By: Lorne Philipot
Edited by: Zach Vasile
Published: Saturday, February 07, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET
An Airlink Embraer E190. (Photo: Airlink)
Key Takeaways
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Airlink will increase flight frequencies between Johannesburg, South Africa, and Ndola, Zambia, starting March 30.
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The airline will add a second daily flight on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with overnighting aircraft enabling early‑morning departures from Ndola on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
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This expanded schedule, especially the morning arrival in Johannesburg, is designed to benefit business travelers.
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Ndola is located in Zambia's “Copperbelt” region, where extensive mining activity makes enhanced air connectivity essential.
Airlink will add frequencies between Johannesburg, South Africa, and Ndola, Zambia, starting March 30. The airline will augment its daily service on the route with a second flight on three days of the week.
The additional flight from Ndola will arrive at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport in the morning, a benefit for business travelers.
Airlink’s expanded schedule will see double daily flights operating between Johannesburg and Ndola on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The aircraft will overnight in Ndola for an early‑morning departure to Johannesburg the following day. These flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Connecting the Copperbelt
Ndola is located in the “Copperbelt,” a part of Zambia rich in mineral resources including copper and cobalt. Extensive mining activity takes place in the Copperbelt, making air connectivity essential.
Airlink has a network of more than 45 destinations throughout Southern Africa. It also flies to Lusaka and Livingstone in Zambia.
About the Author
Lorne Philipot – Lorne is a South‑Africa‑based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.
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