St Helena – A glimpse of Napoleon’s past now more accessible
If you’re a fan of the film, Napoleon and want to explore the destination where he spent his final days in exile, you’d be happy to know that direct flights between Cape Town and St Helena Island have resumed.
Starting from December 2024 and continuing until March 2025, direct flights between the Mother City and the remote island – operated by Airlink – will complement the existing weekly flights connecting St Helena and Johannesburg. Flights from Cape Town are scheduled for Saturdays and those departing from Johannesburg are scheduled for Tuesdays. Ultimately, these additional flights offer increased accessibility for South African travellers interested in visiting St Helena, renowned as one of the world’s most isolated islands.
Before the opening of St Helena’s first public airport in 2017, Cape Town served as the primary gateway to the island. At the time, there were regular ship services which required a lengthy five-day voyage. Today, the flight from South Africa takes only a few hours, and the new Cape Town route provides diverse options for the duration of your stay, making a visit to South Africa and the island more worthwhile.
Airlink CEO Rodger Foster noted the steady post-COVID recovery and growing demand for travel to and from St Helena since the airline was awarded the contract six years ago. Initially, a weekly service was introduced. Later, it was augmented by a seasonal second-weekly service during the summer holidays. This was between Johannesburg and St Helena. Recognising the close ties many St Helena residents have with Cape Town – historically a primary gateway to the island – Airlink aims to provide a convenient and reliable service to this unique, largely unspoiled and historically significant destination.
St Helena offers travellers a captivating journey into the past. It is home to approximately 4500 residents and has many stories to tell, since it is the site of Napoleon’s exile and death. Beyond its historical allure, the island’s rugged, volcanic terrain offers diverse opportunities for hiking, while robust conservation efforts support a vibrant marine landscape suitable for diving and snorkelling. Preserving a close-knit community and traditions seemingly untouched by the modern world, St Helena stands as a unique destination.
Flight tickets for these routes can be purchased online through the Airlink website and all IATA travel agents. The full flight schedule for the period November 2023 to April 2025 is available 362 days before departure.
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