Kruger National Park is one of the biggest drawcards in South Africa, and it’s only a short hop from Johannesburg if you want to go straight from flight mode to safari mode. Airlink operates multiple daily flights to Kruger (MQP) on the carrier’s nimble Economy-only Embraer ERJ-135.

Here’s what to expect on this quick 35-minute run that delivers you from the bustle of Jo’burg to the bushveld – in under an hour from gate to gate.

Check-in, lounge and boarding

Airlink regional check-in is located at Terminal B (Domestic) of O.R. Tambo International Airport. There are plenty of counters open, so it shouldn’t take long to drop off your bags.

The standard Economy check-in allowance is 20kg. Excess luggage on domestic flights isn’t particularly expensive at ~A$3 a kilo. One of our party is a few kilos over and pays around $12. However, the payment needs to be made at a separate counter after check-in, so be sure to leave enough time for that.

Airlink Economy does not include lounge access by default, unless booked as a full fare (Y) or if the passenger is an Emerald Skybucks member – if so, the SLOW lounge awaits.

Instead, with my unlimited Priority Pass card in hand, my next stop is the upstairs Bidvest Sky Lounge in the domestic terminal before boarding. It’s not a large space, but it punches well above its weight, especially compared to Australian domestic lounges, and that’s reflected in its impressive 4.7-star rating on Google.

The buffet selection beats any toastie station – expect a colourful range of salads, six hot dishes including beef skewers, plus pastries, cold meats, fruit, and plenty of snacks.

Drinks are self-serve, with soft drinks, a selection of local South African wines and beers, plus a tea station and coffee machine. Despite its compact footprint, I was able to find a table without issue.

Priority boarding is called for elite SkyBucks members, followed by everyone else. But because the Embraer E135 can’t be boarded via an aerobridge, everyone has to wait on the same bus anyway.

Airlink’s ERJ-135 is a small regional jet with just 37 seats, arranged in a 1-2 configuration across 13 rows. My first impression: it is cramped. I literally can’t stand up straight inside without touching the ceiling.

The cabin is clean with leather seats that are perfectly fine for such a short sector. There’s limited space for large carry-on bags, so anything bulky will likely end up gate-checked. Overhead lockers run only along the two-seat side of the aircraft, so the single-seat side offers a slightly more private feel.

As I am relatively late to board, all the lockers are stuffed full by the time I reach my seat.

Legroom is reasonable at 31″ pitch, and the single-seat side is the pick if you value both privacy and a window view. Apart from the Skyways magazine and the safety card, there isn’t any other entertainment onboard, wireless or otherwise. But for a 35-minute flight, you barely have time to pop on your headphones anyway – and it’s Airlink’s policy to have them off during take-off and landing.

Once airborne, the solo cabin crew member jumps into action to conduct a quick service. I’m expecting a small snack and a bottle of water at most, but over the PA, she rattles off a wide list of snacks and drinks available.

There’s a choice of potato crisps, nuts or dried fruit accompanied with water, juice and soft drinks, or even a beer or glass of wine. With one pass of the trolley to serve and another to clear the rubbish, we’re already starting our descent by the time she’s finished.

THere’s one lavatory at the rear of the cabin, but I didn’t check it out on this flight.

Views are the real highlight. As you descend into Kruger Mpumalanga, the terrain shifts from high-altitude cityscape to the surprisingly (at least to me) rugged and mountainous terrain below. The Embraer 135 handles turbulence well, which is evident during the firm bumps we encounter ascending out of Johannesburg.

Airlink’s Johannesburg–Kruger service is an efficient way to reach one of Africa’s most iconic destinations. The Embraer 135 may be small, but it’s evidently the right-sized jet plane for this route. For travellers heading straight from the airport to safari, it’s absolutely the way to go.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is one of the most charming regional airports you’ll encounter. Its thatched-roof design sets the tone for your safari from the moment you step off the aircraft. Bags arrive quickly, and most lodges arrange seamless transfers directly from the airport door.

Airlink is a Qantas codeshare partner. You can book the Johannesburg-Kruger flight with a QF number in conjunction with a QF flight to/from Sydney or Perth. Doing this will net you more points and Status Credits, while keeping all your flights on the one booking.

You can also earn or redeem Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios on Airlink flights.

Photography by Brandon Loo, who travelled as a guest of Airlink, TripADeal and Qantas.


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Airlink Embraer ERJ 135 Economy (Johannesburg – Kruger) was last modified: December 11th, 2025 by Brandon Loo