A new chapter in southern Africa’s aviation and tourism landscape is set to unfold as Proflight Zambia prepares to launch a seasonal route linking Lusaka and Livingstone with Maun International Airport on 2 May 2026. The new service, which will operate three times a week through to October, is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity by directly linking two of the continent’s most iconic safari gateways—Zambia’s Victoria Falls region and Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The initiative marks an important milestone not only for the airline but also for broader efforts to strengthen tourism flows and economic cooperation within the region.
The launch will be commemorated with a formal welcome ceremony hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) at Maun International Airport, underscoring the strategic importance of the new route. For travellers, the service offers a much-needed alternative to the often time-consuming and complex journey between Livingstone and Maun, which has traditionally involved long road transfers or costly charter flights. By providing a direct and reliable connection, Proflight Zambia is positioning itself to meet growing demand for seamless intra-African travel, particularly among tourists seeking multi-destination safari experiences.
This development is closely tied to Botswana’s Air Access programme, a government-led initiative aimed at attracting new regional and international air services to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth. By improving accessibility to key destinations such as the Okavango Delta, the programme seeks to increase visitor numbers, extend average tourist stays, and ultimately create jobs across the tourism value chain. The introduction of the Lusaka–Livingstone–Maun route is a clear example of how targeted aviation policies can translate into tangible benefits for both local economies and the broader region.
Beyond its impact on leisure travel, the new route is also expected to play a vital role in strengthening business ties between Botswana and Zambia. Improved air connectivity makes it easier for professionals, investors, and government officials to move between the two countries, facilitating collaboration in sectors such as tourism, trade, and infrastructure development. As regional integration continues to gain momentum across Africa, efficient and reliable air links are becoming increasingly essential in supporting cross-border economic activity.
Industry observers note that the timing of the route launch is particularly advantageous, coinciding with the start of the peak safari season when demand for travel to southern Africa’s wildlife destinations is at its highest. Both Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta attract visitors from around the world, and the ability to combine these destinations in a single itinerary is likely to appeal strongly to international tourists. This could, in turn, boost occupancy rates for lodges, increase revenue for tour operators, and generate wider economic benefits for communities that depend on tourism.
In a broader context, the introduction of this route reflects a growing trend toward enhancing regional air connectivity within Africa, addressing long-standing challenges related to limited direct flights between key destinations. As airlines and governments continue to collaborate on initiatives that improve access and reduce travel barriers, the continent stands to benefit from increased mobility, stronger economic linkages, and a more competitive tourism offering on the global stage.
