FlyGabon Launches in South Africa: Strengthening Air Travel Links

FlyGabon Launches Johannesburg Route, Opening Africa’s Skies

FlyGabon has officially landed in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in regional aviation with the launch of direct flights between Libreville and Johannesburg. This route strengthens air travel connections between Central and Southern Africa, promising enhanced business, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two regions.

A National Carrier with Regional Ambition

FlyGabon is the product of a strategic partnership between Afrijet Business Service and the Gabonese government, which holds a 56% stake in the airline. Launched as part of a national drive to reclaim control over key sectors, FlyGabon combines government backing with Afrijet’s two decades of operational expertise, safety, and punctuality.

With 17 destinations and over 200 weekly flights in 2025, FlyGabon aims to position itself as a leading player in Central and West African aviation.

Why Johannesburg?

Johannesburg was selected as FlyGabon’s first international destination beyond its traditional Central and West African routes. As a key hub for business, trade, healthcare, and tourism, the city offers enormous strategic value. South Africa remains one of Gabon’s most important economic partners, and the launch of this route signifies a strengthening of diplomatic and commercial ties.

Johannesburg is now becoming a key anchor in our regional and international development strategy.
This route strengthens our presence in Southern Africa and is part of a smart networking approach,
serving business travelers, tourists, and economic operators.
As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to imagine not just a flight, but an experience that
connects you to the heart of Gabon and beyond.
At FLYGABON, our vision extends far beyond merely selling routes. We aim to create a seamless travel
experience that leaves a lasting impression on every passenger.

According to FlyGabon Sales Director Alexandra Horvath, this route reflects the airline’s mission to expand intra-African connectivity and open new pathways for passengers and cargo alike.

Flight Schedule and Connectivity

FlyGabon operates two weekly flights using the Airbus A320-200, a modern aircraft offering both economy and business class.

Schedule:

• Depart Johannesburg: Wednesdays at 08:30, Sundays at 10:15
• Return from Libreville: Tuesdays at 19:45, Fridays at 20:15

This schedule also supports onward travel to destinations such as Port Harcourt, Douala, Brazzaville, Malabo, and Bangui, establishing Johannesburg as a true Southern gateway to Central Africa.

Seamless Travel Experience

FlyGabon provides a comfortable and professional onboard experience. Passengers enjoy:

• 23kg checked luggage allowance
• One 6kg carry-on bag
• In-flight meals and drinks
• Onboard entertainment via personal devices

Business class offers added perks including gourmet meals, lounge access, and flexible ticketing options.

For South African Travel Agents

FlyGabon is accessible via major global distribution systems (GDS) under codes J7A1, J7W1, and J7*H1. Agents benefit from tailored commission schemes and incentives such as:

• Complimentary tickets for top sellers
• Commission-based rewards
• Excess baggage allowances

FlyGabon also provides a user-friendly booking platform and dedicated support for South African travel agencies.

A Cargo Gateway for Trade

FlyGabon’s cargo division offers fast and secure freight solutions, particularly for industries like oil, gas, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. This route provides new logistics corridors for South African exporters and Gabonese importers, bolstering trade across sectors.

Eco-Tourism Appeal of Gabon

For South African travellers seeking nature-based experiences, Gabon offers:

• Loango National Park: home to elephants, gorillas, and the famed surfing hippos
• Pongara National Park: with its lush mangroves and turtle nesting beaches
• Loango Coast: a paradise for sport fishing

With 13 national parks covering 10% of its land, Gabon is positioning itself as a top eco-tourism destination in Africa.

High-Level Endorsements and Launch Highlights

Held at Fireblade Aviation on 6 September 2025, the official Johannesburg launch included remarks from FlyGabon CEO Mr. Nyl Charles Moret-Mba, and a keynote by Commercial Director Alexandra Horvath, who presented opportunities for travel trade collaboration.

Local partner and APG South Africa Sales Manager, Ms. Charmaine Lemkus, celebrated the route as a “bridge between our two nations,” and a symbol of African unity and opportunity.

Fly Gabon’s arrival is also a signal of confidence in South Africa as a key aviation hub. It highlights our shared belief that Africa’s future lies in integration-where borders are no longer barriers, but gateways.

The Role of Libreville as a Regional Hub

Located in the heart of Africa, Libreville enables seamless north-south and west-east travel across the continent. FlyGabon’s hub-and-spoke model allows for short layovers and convenient connections between key African cities.

Business, Tourism, Diaspora: A Multisectoral Offering

The new Johannesburg route targets a diverse passenger base:

• Business travellers accessing regional commercial hubs
• Leisure tourists exploring new destinations
• Diaspora communities reconnecting with families
• Medical travellers seeking healthcare in South Africa

Expansion and Innovation

FlyGabon plans to increase its Johannesburg flight frequencies and expand access to other African destinations such as Cotonou, Pointe-Noire, Kinshasa, and São Tomé. Fleet enhancements, including the new ATR 42-600, are part of the airline’s broader growth strategy.

FlyGabon’s loyalty programme, Le Club, offers added value to frequent flyers, while corporate packages and charter services provide flexibility to business clients and institutions.

Beyond transport, the Gautrain fuels job creation and economic growth. From Tracks to Jobs: How Gautrain Boosts Gauteng’s Economy. Discover how this rail network continues to shape Gauteng’s future.

Africa Connected: A Shared Future

FlyGabon’s launch is more than just a new flight. It is a step toward a more integrated Africa. By connecting Libreville and Johannesburg, the airline opens doors to new opportunities in trade, tourism, and cooperation. This route symbolises a future where African borders are not barriers but bridges.