CemAir
CemAir is a privately owned South African regional airline operating scheduled domestic and selected regional African services, primarily with regional jets and turboprops.
About CemAir
CemAir is a privately owned South African airline founded in 2005. Based in Johannesburg, it initially developed a substantial aircraft-leasing and specialist aviation business before expanding its scheduled passenger network. The carrier operates under the CemAir brand and uses the IATA code 5Z, serving markets where regional aircraft are well suited to demand and airport conditions.
O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is CemAir’s principal hub, while Cape Town also supports an important range of services. The airline connects major South African cities with regional and leisure destinations, including Bloemfontein, Durban, George, Hoedspruit, Kimberley and Margate. Selected international routes extend its network into neighbouring parts of Southern Africa.
CemAir’s passenger fleet is centred on Bombardier and De Havilland regional aircraft, including CRJ regional jets and Dash 8 turboprops. Aircraft type and cabin layout vary by route, and operations generally use a single economy-class cabin. Service is designed for relatively short sectors, although onboard amenities and baggage capacity can differ between jet and turboprop flights.
CemAir is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. It maintains commercial relationships with other airlines that can make connections beyond its own network possible on selected itineraries. Its SkyRewards programme allows eligible customers to earn rewards on CemAir travel, although benefits and qualification rules should be checked before booking because programme conditions can change.
A notable strength of CemAir is its ability to link smaller South African destinations with Johannesburg and Cape Town without requiring travellers to use only the country’s largest carriers. Its regional-aircraft model also brings practical limitations: overhead space may be restricted, schedules on thinner routes may be less frequent, and substitutions or operational changes can affect the onboard experience.
Good to know
Flying with CemAir — what to expect
Regional Aircraft
Many CemAir flights use regional jets or turboprops. Cabins and overhead lockers can be smaller than those on mainline aircraft, so compact hand luggage is advisable.
Check Baggage Terms
Baggage allowances can depend on the fare and route. Review the allowance shown on your booking, particularly when carrying sports equipment or other bulky items.
Johannesburg Connections
O. R. Tambo International Airport is CemAir’s main connecting point. Allow adequate transfer time, especially when changing between separate tickets or between domestic and international flights.
Schedule Frequency
Flights to smaller regional and leisure destinations may not operate every day. Confirm the operating date carefully before arranging accommodation, transfers or onward travel.
Partner Itineraries
Some journeys may combine CemAir with a partner airline. Check whether baggage is transferred automatically and whether all segments appear on a single ticket.
Aircraft Changes
The aircraft assigned to a route can change for operational reasons. Seat layout, available storage and onboard service may therefore differ from what was displayed during booking.
Route network
Popular routes operated by CemAir
Notable destinations on CemAir's network.
5ZJohannesburgdirect5ZCape Towndirect5ZDurbandirect5ZBloemfonteindirect5ZGeorgedirect5ZHoedspruitdirect5ZKimberleydirect5ZMargatedirect5ZEast Londondirect5ZGqeberhadirect5ZMaundirect5ZVictoria FallsdirectDestination list is indicative of CemAir's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
Reviews of CemAir
TripAdvisor · 2022–2023- 59
- 42
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What travellers flew
Counted from the 50 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
Excellent service
Fantastic airline boasting a unique fleet of aircraft, staff always go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience.
Posted June 2023 by Egypt101
Only fly then if you have a couple hours to spare
Every single time my girlfriend has flown this airline they have been late. Every single damn time!!!
Posted June 2023 by Tim
Scamming Passengers
Flew internationally from the UK with CemAir providing the domestic legs of the travel. On the returnleg from Kimberley to Johannesburg to connect with my international flight, CemAir changed the flight number and bumped me off the new flights' passenger… See more manifest. So the only way to get back to Johannesburg and back to the UK was to buy another ticket. You can see how this CemAir can expolit / abused this position. CemAir can easily scam people especially international travelers who will be forced to buy a new ticket to get home........ Be very careful with CemAir, no one wants to take reasonability and CemAir have interest in responding to my claims never mind a refund.
See lessPosted May 2023 by Quinn, Morden
Damaged luggage
Our flight was over an hour late, on arrival in Durban our suitcases had been damaged. I have emailed Cemair 3 times and have not had any response. The plane feels old as if it’s about to fall apart. Return trip from Durban to Johannesburg was over an hour… See more late again, landing in Johannesburg was terrible. I certainly not recommmed this airline
See lessPosted May 2023 by Lyn P, Woking
Worst Airline. Constant Delays. Technical Issues. No communication. Do not recommend.
I flew with CemAir from Cape Town to Joburg. The flight was meant to depart at 06.00am. By 06.00am no one had boarded and there was no communication from the staff. We had to approach someone to find out that there was a technical issue which delayed our… See more flight by three hours. I am now attempting to fly from Joburg to Cape Town and am experiencing a similar issue. The flight is yet again delayed due to technical issues. I will never fly with CemAir again. Not only do they change flight times without informing anyone - they also appear to have reoccurring technical issues which is very concerning. I would suggest you avoid this airline at all costs.
See lessPosted April 2023 by Kriska L
4 HOUR DELAY and Leaks
The scariest experience of my life. flight was DELAYED for FOUR HOURS!!!! No stuff came to inform passengers. The aircraft was changed to a smaller one and many were left behind..the plane had water leaks dripping on our laps and devices..the worst airline.
Posted April 2023 by Nokwanda
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
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FAQ
CemAir — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- CemAir serves domestic destinations across South Africa, including Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, George, Hoedspruit, Kimberley and Margate. It also operates selected regional international services in Southern Africa.
- Fares are generally more competitive when booked early and outside school holidays, long weekends and peak leisure periods. Compare nearby dates because service frequency and demand can vary considerably by route.
- CemAir’s longest scheduled route can change as its regional African timetable is revised. Check the current route map and schedule rather than relying on a historic route ranking.
- CemAir’s primary hub is O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Cape Town International Airport is also an important departure and network point.
- O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is CemAir’s principal departure airport, with Cape Town International Airport another major base for its services. Durban and several regional South African airports also feature prominently in the schedule.
- CemAir’s destination total changes as seasonal and regional routes are added or adjusted. Consult the airline’s current timetable for the latest network count.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Carry-on baggage must comply with the allowance attached to the booked fare and be suitable for the limited storage available on regional aircraft. Check CemAir’s current baggage rules before departure, as larger cabin bags may need to be placed in the hold.