MBABANE – National carrier Eswatini Air will introduce direct flights to Lusaka from 1 April 2026, opening a new air link between the Kingdom and Zambia as part of its regional expansion drive.
The twice weekly service was announced by Captain Qiniso Dhlamini, Group Chief Executive Officer of Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation, alongside the airline’s newly introduced General Manager Ndumiso Shongwe during an official presentation event.
According to the airline, the new route is intended to strengthen business and leisure travel between Eswatini and key regional markets while broadening the carrier’s footprint beyond its existing destinations, which include Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Harare.
Dhlamini expressed appreciation to emaSwati for supporting the national airline since its relaunch, describing the Lusaka service as another step in building a sustainable regional network. He said the route would cater for both corporate travellers and tourists moving between Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa.
Flights will operate from King Mswati III International Airport, with tickets expected to be released soon through the airline’s official booking platforms.
To support operations in Zambia, Eswatini Air has appointed Airliners as its General Sales Agent in that country, a move aimed at strengthening marketing and customer service on the new route.
The airline also indicated that passengers can expect improvements in travel convenience, including the planned introduction of baggage through check for smoother connections. In addition, a combined Durban and Cape Town schedule will operate during traditionally low demand months such as January, February, June and July to maintain service reliability without cancelling flights.
Eswatini Air is further preparing for an International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit scheduled for April, a process seen as crucial for securing international partnerships and future code share agreements.
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