Johannesburg based airline, Airlink, is increasing its scheduled flight service between South Africa and St Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean - one of the remotest islands in the world. From 8th October 2022, the airline will increase to weekly flights from fortnightly, operating from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
The resumption of regular weekly flights to St Helena will boost accessibility to the island, enabling UK travellers to discover the volcanic peaks, protected national parks, and world-class diving sites. The increase in flight services to the island comes alongside St Helena Government’s decision to lift all COVID-19 entry regulations from 8th August 2022.
Matt Joshua, Head of St Helena Tourism said: “We are delighted that weekly flights will resume to the island following the suspension during the pandemic, along with the removal of all COVID-19 entry regulations.
“St Helena offers the perfect getaway for the post-pandemic traveller looking to escape the crowds and we look forward to meeting the demand from travellers wanting to experience one of the UK’s oldest overseas territories and most remote inhabited islands on the planet.”
A British Oversees Territory in the middle of the South Atlantic, St Helena was first colonised by British settlers in the Seventeenth Century. Today, the small island is home over 4,000 inhabitants, known locally as Saints, who are famed for their hospitality and welcoming nature.
The island is a haven for walkers with over 20 walks designed by the St Helena Nature Conservation Group along some of the most scenic and untouched areas of the island. For history enthusiasts, the island is soaked in a rich history, allowing travelers to get an insight into its role in fighting the slave trade, acting as a Boer prisoner of war site, and holding key sites associated with Napoleon, including his tomb.
For divers visiting the island, there are eight shipwrecks around St Helena to visit, many of which are scattered with articles of marine archaeological interest such as cannons and anchors. Visitors who arrive between December and March can swim with Whale Sharks, whilst those who visit between June and December can glimpse Humpback Whales with their calves.
The island continues to champion sustainability and was recently named the best eco-location and sustainable tourism destination in the 2022 World Commerce Review awards. Selected by an expert panel, the award recognizes destinations that have placed the environment at the heart of their tourism programs, with St Helena being commended for their innovation, expertise, and excellence in this field.
Flights are available to book now at www.flyairlink.com.
For more tourism information about St Helena, including Covid-19 entry requirements, visit www.sthelenatourism.com
Image credit: sainthelenaisland.info
