Airlink resets Nairobi schedule to improve business connectivity via Johannesburg

November 26, 2025 in Business, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Airlink is tweaking its Johannesburg–Nairobi service with timings designed to deliver earlier access to South Africa’s commercial hub and more reliable onward connections. The adjusted schedule, effective from late March 2026, exploits margin within the airline’s increased fleet capacity to make the route more efficient for business-focused travellers.

From 29 March 2026, Nairobi passengers will have a new early-morning south-bound departure, touching down in Johannesburg at 09:40. The arrival time positions travellers to begin the working day in the city and aligns with the morning bank of domestic, regional and long-haul connections through O.R. Tambo International Airport.

North-bound flights from Johannesburg to Nairobi will shift to a daily 13:30 departure from 28 March 2026. The timing supports passengers landing in Johannesburg during the morning from other Airlink routes, allowing same-day onward travel to Nairobi without extended waiting times.

Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the revised timings are part of an effort to respond to demand for more practical connections on a high-traffic regional route.

“With our expanded fleet we’re able to adjust our Nairobi schedule to better serve the needs of business and leisure customers who prioritise convenience and a great choice of connections at both ends of the route. Nairobi is a key gateway to Kenya and the all-important East African market. Similarly, through Airlink’s Johannesburg hub, customers can connect with our other domestic and regional services as well as long-haul flights provided by our global airline partners,” de Villiers Engelbrecht said.

Johannesburg–Nairobi Schedule (Effective 28 March 2026)
Flight 4Z 070 | Daily | Embraer 190
Dep JNB: 13:30
Arr NBO: 18:30
All times local.

Nairobi–Johannesburg Schedule (Effective 29 March 2026)
Flight 4Z 071 | Daily | Embraer 190
Dep NBO: 06:30
Arr JNB: 09:40
All times local.

The adjustments signal a push to streamline travel between Kenya and Southern Africa, improving options for business, trade and diplomatic movements, while reinforcing Johannesburg’s role as a key regional connecting hub.