LIMPOPO – South African airline CemAir has announced the launch of a new domestic route connecting George and Hoedspruit, set to commence in May 2026.

The new service will offer travellers a link between the Garden Route and the Lowveld, two of the country’s most iconic travel destinations. The new route will operate three times weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and limited Sundays, with fares starting from R4 800. The airline indicated that the frequency of flights may increase as demand grows.

“This route removes the need for travellers to transit through major hubs and strengthens local tourism by making travel between the bush and the coast more convenient and accessible,” said CemAir chief commercial officer Shaniel Singh.

The route comes at a time of growing air travel interest in Hoedspruit. Just a month ago, FlySafair introduced its own direct route between Cape Town and Hoedspruit, marking a significant expansion of air connectivity to the Kruger National Park and surrounding private game reserves.

Maruleng Mayor Tsheko Musolwa welcomed CemAir’s announcement, describing it as a timely development that will support the region’s tourism-driven economy.

“The announcement aligns with our long-standing call for Eastgate Airport to be granted an international licence,” said Musolwa. “The increase in air travel is not just a win for Hoedspruit but a victory for the entire travel and tourism sector in Maruleng. It strengthens our position as a gateway to Limpopo’s prime tourist destinations.”

Eastgate Airport, located near Hoedspruit, is already the busiest airport in Limpopo, serving a mix of domestic and charter flights.

The expansion of scheduled services by both CemAir and FlySafair is expected to improve accessibility for local and international travellers alike, while also benefitting safari lodges, tour operators, and small businesses in the area.