FlySafair is pleased to announce the resumption of its scheduled flights to and from Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), effective 17 February 2026, following the successful refurbishment of the airport’s main runway, which was severely damaged by the devastating floods that struck the Limpopo province in January.
While Hoedspruit Airport remained partially operational during the period of disruption – with smaller carriers able to continue services using the airport’s shorter secondary runway – the main runway required for commercial operations by larger aircraft such as those operated by FlySafair sustained significant damage and was rendered unsafe for use. The completion of extensive repair and refurbishment works on the main runway has now made it possible for full commercial operations to resume.
“We are thrilled to be back at Hoedspruit and reconnecting our passengers with this beloved destination,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “The damage to the main runway was extensive, and while we know the suspension of services was frustrating, it was not something we could safely work around. Smaller aircraft were able to continue using the shorter runway during this time, but our fleet required the full length and integrity of the main runway. We are grateful to the airport authorities for completing the necessary repairs and are proud to be back in the air on this route.”
FlySafair’s return to Hoedspruit restores a critical link for both leisure and business travellers, particularly those accessing the Greater Kruger National Park area and the broader Limpopo tourism corridor. The airline looks forward to serving this route and encourages passengers to book their travel at www.flysafair.co.za.
About FlySafair
FlySafair, Southern Africa’s leading low-cost carrier and proud Trusted Domestic Carrier for the Springboks and Proteas, offers budget-friendly flights starting at R570* for domestic travel between ten destinations. FlySafair also operates five international routes, connecting South Africa with our African neighbours from Johannesburg starting from R1 400*, as well as Cape Town to Windhoek, starting at just R1 800*.
Since operations began in 2014, the airline has been ranked the top on-time low-cost airline in the world by Cirium. In 2025, FlySafair received five awards at the SACAA Civil Aviation Industry Awards, including Aircraft Operator, Aviation Innovation, People Development, Aviation Professional presented to Blacky Komani, and Best Airline by Public Vote. FlySafair was also awarded the Skytrax Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.
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