One of the world’s most remote islands will be more accessible this winter with the return of twice-weekly flights to St Helena.
Johannesburg-based airline Airlink is doubling its service from South Africa for the period between November 28 this year and the end of February 2024.
Head of St Helena Tourism Matt Joshua said: “We are delighted that twice-weekly flights will resume to the island, offering more choice and flexibility for visitors.”
More: Exploring remote St Helena in the South Atlantic
A British Overseas Territory in the middle of the South Atlantic, St Helena is more than 1,200 miles from the nearest major landmass.
In the autumn, Tuesday flights between Johannesburg and St Helena will be added to the regular Saturday departures.
This will result in a further 13 return flights available to travellers in addition to the weekly flights over the peak season, the tourism body said.
It added: “Most notably, the increases to both passenger capacity and flight frequency mean that prospective travellers have more certainty that seats will be available at their preferred times of travel, whilst offering them more flexibility around travel dates and lengths of stays.”
Colonised by the British in the 17th century, Napoleon died in exile on the island following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
Today, the island is home to a population of 4,000 and has become well regarded for its nature trails as well as its rich history.
Divers can visit eight shipwrecks around St Helena, while visitors between June and December have a chance of glimpsing humpback whales with their calves.
Joshua added: “St Helena offers the perfect getaway for travellers 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.”
The island was named the best eco-location and sustainable tourism destination in the 2022 World Commerce Review awards.