Mango Airlines
In July 2021, Mango Airlines, a prominent low-cost carrier in South Africa, ceased operations due to financial difficulties and mounting debts. The airline’s grounding left a significant gap in the domestic travel market, especially on popular routes like Johannesburg to Cape Town and Johannesburg to Durban. Despite efforts to revive the airline, including a two-year license suspension by the Air Services Licensing Council in August 2022 , Mango Airlines has not resumed operations.BusinessTech+3AeroTime+3The South African+3
This sudden exit has left travelers seeking affordable alternatives for domestic flights. While airlines like FlySafair, SA Airlink, Lift Airlines, and Cemair have stepped in to fill some of the void, the absence of Mango Airlines is still keenly felt by many South African travelers.
Flight Mate Leisure Travel (FMLT): Your Go-To Platform for Affordable Domestic Flights
Flight Mate Leisure Travel (FMLT) has emerged as a reliable platform for booking affordable domestic flights in South Africa. Designed to cater to the needs of budget-conscious travelers, FMLT offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to compare prices, select preferred airlines, and book flights seamlessly.
Why Choose FMLT?
- Comprehensive Search Options: FMLT aggregates flight options from various airlines, providing you with a wide range of choices to suit your budget and schedule.
- Competitive Pricing: By partnering with multiple airlines, FMLT ensures that you have access to some of the most competitive prices in the market.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform’s intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate, compare, and book flights without hassle.
- Customer Support: FMLT offers dedicated customer support to assist you with any queries or issues during the booking process.
Popular Domestic Routes and Airlines on FMLT
FMLT covers a variety of domestic routes, including those previously dominated by Mango Airlines. Here’s a look at some of the popular routes and the airlines that operate them:
Johannesburg to Cape Town
- FlySafair: Known for its punctuality and competitive pricing, FlySafair offers multiple daily flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Lift Airlines: A newer entrant in the market, Lift Airlines provides flexible flight options with a focus on customer experience.
- SA Airlink: While primarily serving regional routes, SA Airlink also operates flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Johannesburg to Durban
- FlySafair: Offers several daily flights, ensuring flexibility for travelers.
- Cemair: Provides flights on this route, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
- SA Airlink: Operates flights connecting Johannesburg and Durban, with convenient schedules.
These airlines, along with others available on FMLT, ensure that travelers have ample options to choose from, even in the absence of Mango Airlines.
How to Book Flights on FMLT
Booking your next domestic flight on FMLT is straightforward:
- Visit the FMLT Website: Navigate to the official FMLT platform.
- Enter Travel Details: Input your departure and destination cities, travel dates, and the number of passengers.
- Compare Flight Options: Browse through the available flights, comparing prices, airlines, and flight times.
- Select and Book: Choose the flight that best suits your needs and proceed with the booking process.
- Confirmation: Receive your booking confirmation via email, along with all necessary travel details.
FMLT’s platform is designed to make the booking process as seamless as possible, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers.
The Importance of Affordable Domestic Travel
Affordable domestic travel plays a crucial role in the South African economy. It facilitates business activities, promotes tourism, and connects families and friends across the country. The grounding of Mango Airlines highlighted the vulnerability of the domestic travel sector and the need for reliable and cost-effective alternatives.
Platforms like FMLT are vital in bridging the gap left by the absence of Mango Airlines. By offering a wide range of flight options at competitive prices, FMLT ensures that South Africans can continue to travel affordably and conveniently.
Answering Your Top Questions About Mango Flights & Booking Alternatives
As travelers continue to search for Mango Airlines flight bookings—especially queries like:
…it’s important to clarify the current reality while guiding users to the best alternatives available today.
Are Mango Airlines Flights Still Operating?
No, Mango Airlines has not resumed operations since being grounded in July 2021. As confirmed by multiple sources including AeroTime, the airline’s license was suspended and eventually revoked, marking a halt to all services. While there have been legal and governmental discussions about potential revival or restructuring, there is no fixed timeline for when or if Mango will return to the skies.
How Can I Book Flights That Were Previously Operated by Mango Airlines?
Previously, Mango Airlines was popular for budget-friendly flights on major domestic routes like:
- Johannesburg to Cape Town
- Johannesburg to Durban
- Cape Town to Durban
- Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth
- Johannesburg to George
Today, you can find alternatives through Flight Mate Leisure Travel (FMLT)—a travel platform that enables you to search across multiple airlines and compare prices instantly. Instead of visiting multiple airline websites individually, FMLT consolidates all available flights on your chosen route into a single, easy-to-navigate dashboard.
Simply visit https://www.flightmateza.co.za, enter your route and travel dates, and you’ll be presented with all available options—including flights from FlySafair, Lift, Cemair, and Airlink.
Expert Tips to Find the Cheapest Domestic Flights in South Africa
Whether you’re booking last-minute or planning in advance, the following tips will help you get the best deals when using FMLT or any flight search engine:
1. Book in Advance
While budget airlines often offer last-minute deals, your chances of securing the lowest fares increase if you book at least 2–3 weeks ahead of your travel date.
2. Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Use FMLT’s calendar view to identify which days offer the cheapest flights. Often, flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is more affordable than weekend travel.
3. Compare Different Airlines
FMLT displays results from multiple carriers, including:
This side-by-side comparison is essential because flight prices can vary significantly between airlines on the same route and day.
4. Avoid Add-Ons You Don’t Need
When booking low-cost airlines, extras like baggage, seat selection, and travel insurance can quickly inflate the price. Only choose add-ons that are necessary.
5. Use Alerts for Price Drops
Flight Mate Leisure Travel allows you to set alerts so you’ll be notified when prices drop for specific routes like “Mango flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town” or “Johannesburg to Durban.”
How FMLT Compares to Other Travel Booking Platforms
| Feature | FMLT | Other OTA Platforms (e.g., Travelstart, Expedia) |
| Domestic Focus | Strong | Mostly international-focused |
| Budget Airline Comparison | Includes FlySafair, Cemair | Includes, but not always up-to-date |
| Mango Airlines Replacement | Yes | Limited guidance |
| South African Customer Support | Local support | Mostly offshore |
| No Hidden Booking Fees | Transparent pricing | Often adds fees at checkout |
Testimonials from FMLT Users
Here’s what real users have to say about Flight Mate Leisure Travel:
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“After Mango shut down, I didn’t know where to look for affordable flights from Johannesburg to Durban. FMLT made it so easy—I found a FlySafair ticket at a great price!”
— Naledi M., Pretoria
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“Flight Mate helped me book a trip to Cape Town last-minute without paying crazy prices. I wish I had known about this service earlier.”
— Sipho R., Johannesburg
Final Thoughts: Why FMLT Is the Best Mango Airlines Alternative
Mango Airlines offered a level of affordability and accessibility that many South Africans relied on. Its exit has undoubtedly left a gap in the market—but that doesn’t mean travelers are out of options.
Flight Mate Leisure Travel (FMLT) is stepping up as a premier alternative by offering:
Access to all major low-cost airlines in South Africa
Seamless online booking
Transparent, competitive pricing
Strong support for previously Mango-operated routes
Whether you’re planning a quick business trip or a long-overdue family holiday, FMLT is your ultimate tool to discover, compare, and book cheap domestic flights—just like you would have with Mango Airlines.
Visit FMLT and Start Your Journey
Don’t let the grounding of Mango Airlines stop you from traveling affordably across South Africa.
️ Visit www.flightmateza.co.za
️ Find and compare flights
️ Book instantly—stress-free
FMLT Helps Keep South Africa Moving — Even After Mango Airlines
When Mango Airlines entered the South African aviation market in 2006, it changed the game for affordable domestic travel. Suddenly, it was possible to fly from Johannesburg to Cape Town or Durban for the price of a long-distance bus ticket. Mango’s unique combination of low fares, reliable schedules, and wide route coverage made it a favorite for students, families, and budget-savvy business travelers alike.
But now, with Mango no longer flying, that affordability and accessibility are harder to find. The few remaining carriers—while efficient—operate with reduced route flexibility and often higher costs, especially during peak travel seasons.
Flight Mate Leisure Travel (FMLT) is helping to solve that problem by acting as a centralized, independent flight aggregator tailored for the local market. Its presence has become a crucial solution to sustain mobility for all South Africans and tourists seeking internal travel.
Future of Domestic Travel in South Africa
The future of air travel in South Africa hinges on competition, innovation, and digital platforms like FMLT that remove complexity from the booking process. Here’s what we can expect:
1. Increased Use of Aggregators like FMLT
Consumers want more choices, better transparency, and the ability to compare flights side-by-side. Platforms like FMLT enable this, giving power back to the traveler.
2. Shift Towards Flexibility and Customization
Airlines are evolving to meet new travel behaviors post-pandemic. With tools from FMLT, customers can choose fully flexible or non-flex options, mix-and-match return flights, and find better deals on connecting domestic routes.
3. Tech-Driven Solutions
From mobile booking to travel alerts, chat-based support, and e-ticketing, tech-forward platforms like FMLT are ushering in a more user-centric experience.
How FMLT Is Bridging the Gap in South African Air Travel
Since Mango Airlines ceased operations, many consumers have been left confused and frustrated, still searching online for:
- “Mango flights today”
- “Mango Airlines online check-in”
- “Book Mango flight online”
- “Cheap Mango Airlines Johannesburg to Cape Town”
But these searches don’t need to lead to dead ends.
Instead of navigating outdated booking portals or airline pages no longer in use, travelers can now head directly to Flight Mate Leisure Travel and get real-time results from active low-cost carriers.
Summary of Key Benefits: Why Use FMLT
| Feature | Benefit |
| Affordable Fares | Compare Mango-replacement fares across all major local airlines |
| Time-Saving | No need to visit multiple airline sites individually |
| Mobile-Friendly | Book and manage your flights on-the-go |
| All Major Routes Covered | Johannesburg–Cape Town, Johannesburg–Durban, and more |
| Customer-Focused | South African-based support and knowledge of local needs |
| Transparent Pricing | No last-minute surprises or hidden booking fees |
Quick Booking Guide: Popular Routes Previously Served by Mango Airlines
Popular Routes Previously Served by Mango Airlines
Here’s a quick reference guide to help travelers find flights on FMLT for routes that Mango used to dominate:
Mango Flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town (Now on FMLT)
- Formerly Mango’s busiest route.
- Current alternatives: FlySafair, Lift, Airlink
- Best time to book: 2–3 weeks in advance
- Average price on FMLT: R900–R1,400
Mango Flights from Johannesburg to Durban
- Essential for business and leisure travelers.
- Now served by: FlySafair, Cemair
- FMLT price range: R750–R1,200
Mango Flights from Cape Town to Durban
- Scenic and seasonal—popular during school holidays.
- Book now with: Lift, FlySafair
- FMLT deals: Often available below R1,000
Mango Flights from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth
- Now covered by Airlink and Cemair via FMLT.
- Tip: Check mid-week for cheaper fares.
Let’s Recap: Why You Should Use FMLT as Your Mango Airlines Alternative
Mango Airlines might be gone, but affordable air travel in South Africa doesn’t have to be.
Flight Mate Leisure Travel (FMLT) is your go-to travel companion—filling the void left by Mango and ensuring that cheap, safe, and convenient domestic travel remains a reality.
With FMLT, you can:
Search for the best fares from multiple airlines
Find real-time availability and transparent pricing
Book flights on previously Mango-served routes with ease
Support a locally-aware and customer-first platform
Final Call: Your Next Flight Awaits
Whether you’re traveling for business, heading home to family, or planning a weekend in the Winelands, FMLT puts cheap flights just a few clicks away.
Don’t waste time looking for Mango Airlines booking links that no longer work. Instead:
Head to www.flightmateza.co.za
Compare flights across all major South African airlines
Book with confidence—and get back in the air
Q: Are Mango Airlines flights still available?
A: No, Mango Airlines is not currently operating. Flights can now be booked through alternatives like FlySafair, Lift, and Cemair using Flight Mate Leisure Travel (FMLT).
Q: What is the best alternative to Mango Airlines in South Africa?
A: Flight Mate Leisure Travel (FMLT) is the best alternative. It aggregates flights from all major local airlines so you can find the cheapest fares on the same routes Mango once served.
Q: Where can I find Mango flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town?
A: You can’t book with Mango Airlines currently. Use FMLT to find and book low-cost flights on this route with FlySafair or Lift.
Conclusion
The grounding of Mango Airlines left a significant void in South Africa’s domestic flight market. However, platforms like Flight Mate Leisure Travel (FMLT) have emerged as valuable alternatives, offering affordable and convenient flight options across various routes. By leveraging such platforms, travelers can continue to enjoy budget-friendly domestic travel without compromise.
For more information and to book your next flight, visit Flight Mate Leisure Travel.
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