Airlink plans to increase its scheduled flight service from Johannesburg to St Helena Island from fortnightly to weekly.
The decision to boost accessibility to the remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic comes alongside St Helena Government’s decision to lift COVID-19 entry regulations from 8 August 2022. The exact date for the commencement of the additional flights has not been confirmed.
‘The service will still include the monthly inter-island service with Ascension Island and additional inter-island flights during the peak period,’ says Matt Joshua, Head of Tourism for St Helena.
St Helena Airport (HLE) opened in October 2017. Prior to this, St Helena was only accessible by sea. The only carrier to the island, Airlink had been operating weekly flights to St Helena since the airport opened. After suspending flights in March 2020 due to COVID-19, Airlink officially resumed its schedule in March this year with a fortnightly flight.
Flight tickets from Johannesburg to St Helena Island are available on flyairlink.com and through all IATA-registered travel agents.
For residents of St Helena, tickets can be reserved via Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc’s Shipping & Travel Agency at the Malabar in Jamestown. Passengers can visit in person or contact them via email: [email protected] or phone: 22523
Updated information regarding the flight schedule will be shared when available.
ALSO READ: Hotel rates in SA are lower now than pre-Covid, data shows
What is there to do on St Helena Island?
The island is most famous for the fact that French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte was sentenced to prison here in 1815 after the Battle of Waterloo, and died on the island in 1821. History enthusiasts can see the house he lived in, and visit his tomb.
Longwood House where Napoleon Bonaparte lived and died. Picture: Flickr Commons/St Helena Tourism
It is also a great spot for snorkelling, diving and whale or dolphin watching. Southern right and humpback whales are frequent visitors, as are sting rays and whale sharks. The island is also home to Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise and the oldest living tortoise on earth (estimated to have turned 190 this year).
There are various other sights of natural and historical significance and plenty of beautiful hiking trails. Adventurers can book 4×4 tours from Jamestown, the capital and bird watchers will not be bored.
South Africans do not need to apply for a visa before travelling and will be granted a tourist visa on arrival for 26USD, which will be valid for 90 days.
Picture: Getaway gallery
ALSO READ: Head to the tropics at KwaZulu-Natal’s San Lameer
