Low-cost carrier FlySafair will launch its first international flights with a service to Mauritius, which will start on 11 December 2021. The twice-weekly service will operate out of OR Tambo International Airport every Tuesday and Saturday. This follows the announcement on 10 September by the Mauritian government to re-open the island to South African travellers.
“In just about 7 years we’ve managed to gain a fairly strong footprint in the South African domestic market. Finally breaking beyond local borders is an exciting milestone for us,” says Elmar Conradie, CEO of FlySafair.
The airline was granted the rights to operate to Mauritius in December of 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 halted launch plans. “Mauritius holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans, and we’re so looking forward to offering flights just in time for the December holiday season.”
On Saturdays and Tuesdays, flight FA800 will depart OR Tambo International Airport at 09h00 and arrive in Mauritius at 15h15 (local time). On return, flight FA801 will depart Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at 16h15 and land at 18h30 (SA time). Total flight times will be approximately 4 hours, and flights will be direct with no stops.
FlySafair will operate its existing Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the route. “We’re excited to take the same affordable, hassle-free and on-time model we use locally, and transfer that onto an international route,” adds Conradie.
Airfares on the new route start from R4 700 and will be available for sale across all booking platforms from 28 September 2021, with the first Mauritian-bound flight departing on 11 December 2021. Standard fares will include a 20kg checked luggage allowance, and customers will have the option to upgrade their flight experiences with added extras like pre-selected seats, priority boarding, and extra luggage. The airline will also be selling tickets in its new Business Class solution where middle seats between aisle and window passengers are blocked for added comfort and privacy.
