FlySafair Launches New Cape Town-Hoedspruit Route, Boosting Limpopo Tourism
FlySafair has launched a new flight route connecting Cape Town and Hoedspruit, Limpopo, effective from October 2nd. This new service, operating three times a week, aims to stimulate economic growth and enhance accessibility to the Kruger National Park and surrounding tourist destinations, according to Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba.
Impact on Limpopo's Economy
The Limpopo government anticipates significant job creation and economic benefits from this new route. Premier Ramathuba highlighted the importance of this connection for the province's key industries. “Connecting Hoedspruit to Cape Town symbolizes our commitment to fostering growth in mining, tourism and agriculture – three pillars upon which our province stands,” she stated.
Maruleng local municipality mayor Tsheko Musolwa welcomed the new route, likening it to a "Christmas gift" for the residents of Limpopo, anticipating increased employment opportunities as Maruleng becomes a tourism growth point.
Flight Details and Schedule
The new FlySafair service operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The flight departs Cape Town at 12h15 and arrives in Hoedspruit at 14h45. The return flight leaves Hoedspruit at 15h20 and arrives back in Cape Town at 18h05.
FlySafair's Strategy and Market Focus
FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon explained that the decision to launch the route followed strong demand on the Cape Town-Nelspruit route. “We’re hoping to see the same uplift in Hoedspruit that we saw out of Nelspruit. Both airports serve very different parts of the Kruger region so this route broadens accessibility for travellers,” he said. Gordon also emphasized FlySafair's focus on price-sensitive travelers.
“We cater to price-sensitive travellers who may be more flexible with their itineraries. Premium carriers focus on seamless international connections while we offer a lower-cost alternative that still gets people into the region,” Gordon explained.
Increased Capacity and Convenience for Travelers
Bernard Roode, MD of Kapama and Executive Director on the Eastgate Airport Board, lauded the development. "Current load factors on flights into Eastgate average about 91% so demand far exceeds supply. FlySafair’s 189-seat aircraft will boost seat capacity by nearly 50%," he stated, underlining the increased capacity the new route offers.
Roode added that for the northern Sabi Sand and northern Kruger, flying into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is not ideal because it requires an expensive transfer. Hoedspruit offers far greater convenience for those lodges.
Future Growth Potential
Early uptake for the new FlySafair route in October has been strong, leading to suggestions that the service could soon become daily. Furthermore, efforts are underway to secure international licensing for Eastgate Airport, potentially opening direct access to regional hubs like Victoria Falls, Botswana, and Namibia with support from the Limpopo province.
