ADVENTURE
AIDS
AIRLINES
AIRPORT
AIRPORT BUS
ARCHAEOLOGY
ARCHITECTURE
ARCHIVES
ART GALLERIES
BANKS
BIRDING
BOOK EXCHANGE
BUDGET TRAVEL
BUSES
BUSHFIRE
BUSHMAN PAINTINGS
BUSHMEN
CAMPSITES
CAR HIRE
CARS and DRIVING
CATTLE
CLIMATE
COLONIALISM
CRIME
DRUGS
ECONOMY
HISTORY
IMMIGRATION
KINGS
MBABANE
NATURE RESERVES
POLICE
RITUAL CEREMONIES
SIBEBE TRAILS
TOUR COMPANIES
TRAVEL AGENCIES
Index to information in the guide
Royal Swazi Airways is no more. The national carrier quietly disappeared in 2000 after a controversial history. The first, and for a long time only, plane was once used by mercenaries disguised as a rugby team trying to take over the Seychelles. The coup failed, the plane was damaged, repaired, and flew on for many years. The airline proved un-economic and the plane remained heavy on fuel. One of the early expatriate managers left in a hurry - nailed in a wooden crate and smuggled through the border.
Currently air service is provided by SA Airlink, part of South African Airways. Flights are to and from Johannesburg, twice daily. The flights generally leave punctually, the plane is clean and bookings are fairly reliable, though very expensive for the distance covered. Sometimes passengers with confirmed tickets are bumped off to make space for people the airline considers important. In short this airline offers a combination of high prices and poor service. If you want a much cheaper option to get to and from the airport in Johannesburg, see the Airport Bus entry.
For medical emergencies call Traumalink 606 0911, they can move you between hospitals or fly you out of the country.
Check in is one hour before departure, there is a E50.00 departure tax. There is no bank at the airport. You must pay in Rands or Emalangeni.