*ProFlight Zambia to open direct Lusaka-Maun route from May 2026
Botswana’s efforts to boost air connectivity are slowly bearing fruits, with ProFlight Zambia becoming the latest airline to enter the local market.
The direct link service will see the carrier seasonally linking Lusaka-Livingstone–Maun three times a week between May and October 2026.
The route is expected to enhance Southern Africa’s aviation network and support the shared vision of promoting tourism and economic growth across the region.
Zambia is one of Botswana’s key regional partner markets, and this new service will strengthen business cooperation, tourism growth, investment opportunities, and cultural ties between two countries.
Set to be a major boost to travel and tourism in the region, this new route linking two safari hubs, is set to make a significant difference for both the tourism and economic growth of both Botswana and Zambia.
The Lusaka-Maun route will offer a seamless travel experience for leisure and business travellers, providing direct access to two of the world’s most renowned safari destinations: Zambia’s national parks and Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
This direct connection will significantly reduce travel time for tourists eager to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Southern Africa.
“We are delighted to welcome ProFlight Zambia’s entry into Botswana’s international network. This development represents a step forward for both our nations. Every new connection creates ripple effects of opportunity, and we look forward to seeing this service strengthen both economies, while expanding access for travellers and enhancing regional mobility. We are dedicated to fostering a partnership that advances the success, sustainability and growth of this important new route,” said chief executive officer of Civil Aviation Botswana Dr. Bao Mosinyi who is also the spokesperson of Botswana Air Access.
The Okavango Delta, one of the world’s most unique and bio diverse ecosystems, has long been a draw for luxury travellers, adventure seekers, and eco-tourists.
By facilitating direct access between these two destinations, ProFlight Zambia is providing tourists with the opportunity to explore multiple African treasures in one seamless trip, creating unmatched multi-destination tourism experiences that promote regional cooperation and growth.
The launch of this direct route is a further major step towards enhancing intra-African connectivity, a key goal for both the African Union and the African tourism sector.
By improving aviation access between Zambia and Botswana, this route will play a significant role in boosting tourism flows, supporting the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) tourism network.
ProFlight Zambia chief executive officer Anthony Irwin said this is an indication of Zambia’s desire to be a preeminent regional aviation hub and the urge to drive cross-border tourism within the region.
This new route will not only benefit the tourism sector but will also support cross-border trade, business travel, and foreign investment in both Zambia and Botswana.
As more travellers and businesses connect across the region, the economic impact of enhanced aviation connectivity will be felt across both countries.
It also complements the on-going efforts of the Botswana Air Access programme to attract new regional and international routes – fostering sustainable growth and job creation for Botswana.
Botswana Air Access was launched in August 2024, spearheaded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), as a collaborative air service development project mandated with improving ease of international air access to Botswana airports.
The project is done in collaboration with Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), The Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB), the Travel Agents Association of Botswana (TAABOT), Business Botswana (BB) and the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC).
