Kulula
A former South African low-cost airline known for colourful branding and affordable domestic flights, Kulula ceased operations in 2022 following the collapse of parent company Comair.
About Kulula
Kulula was a South African low-cost airline brand launched by Comair in 2001. Its name came from a Zulu word meaning “it is easy,” reflecting its simplified approach to air travel. Although marketed with a distinct identity, humorous advertising and brightly painted aircraft, Kulula operated under Comair’s airline licence rather than as a separately certificated carrier. Comair entered liquidation in 2022, bringing Kulula’s operations to a permanent end.
Johannesburg was the centre of Kulula’s network, with flights using both O. R. Tambo International Airport and the smaller Lanseria International Airport at different times. Cape Town and Durban were also important departure points. The airline primarily connected major South African cities and leisure destinations, including George, East London and Gqeberha, then commonly listed as Port Elizabeth. Earlier schedules included a limited number of regional international services.
Kulula mainly used Boeing 737 aircraft, including the 737-400 and newer 737-800, configured in a single economy-class cabin. Its low-cost model separated the basic fare from optional extras, although the precise inclusions changed over time and by fare type. Travellers could purchase services such as checked baggage, advance seat selection and onboard refreshments when these were not included in their chosen booking.
Kulula was not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Comair separately operated British Airways-branded services in southern Africa as a franchise partner, but Kulula flights did not provide normal Oneworld benefits solely because of that relationship. The airline used Kulula Moolah as a rewards and travel-credit concept at various stages, but no active Kulula frequent-flyer programme remains following the carrier’s closure.
Kulula’s principal strength was its straightforward, price-focused service on busy South African domestic routes, supported by a memorable and unusually informal brand. Its use of both O. R. Tambo and Lanseria sometimes gave Johannesburg travellers useful airport choices. However, passengers needed to compare optional charges rather than relying on the headline fare alone. More importantly for present-day trip planning, Kulula no longer operates and tickets advertised under its name should not be treated as bookable flights.
Good to know
Flying with Kulula — what to expect
Operations Have Ended
Kulula ceased flying in June 2022 after parent company Comair entered liquidation. It is no longer possible to book an operating Kulula flight.
Check Old Listings
Older travel pages and archived schedules may still display Kulula routes or fares. Confirm that any current offer is for an operating airline before providing payment details.
Low-Cost Fare Structure
Kulula historically sold low base fares with some services charged separately. Baggage, seating and other extras depended on the fare and booking conditions.
Two Johannesburg Airports
Kulula used both O. R. Tambo and Lanseria during its operating history. Travellers reviewing old itineraries should check the airport code carefully because the airports are on different sides of the Johannesburg area.
Single Economy Cabin
The airline generally operated Boeing 737 aircraft with an all-economy layout. It did not offer a conventional business-class cabin on Kulula-branded flights.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Kulula
Notable destinations on Kulula's network.
Destination list is indicative of Kulula's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
Reviews of Kulula
TripAdvisor · 2020–2022- 52
- 43
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- 136
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.
theives, they must stay bankcrupt
kulula are thieves and theives dont succeed. it is a disgrace like everything else in this country, no airline, shame. SA is even worse , they are a bigger disgrace.
Posted July 2022 by lolly667, Durban
They took my money and cancelled the flight the next day, No refund.
Don't fly with Kulula- they are thieves. They took my money THE DAY BEFORE they cancelled all their flights and now they won;t give me a refund. I've emailed them about 30 times with NO RESPONSE. I've had to book alternative flights whilst still being out of… See more pocket for their suspended flights. DO NOT BOOK WITH KULULA.
See lessPosted June 2022 by Tanya Prins
Poorest services ever in a plane
I received the worst service ever n the staff was very rude n arrogant,not willing to help at all the guy in charge with glass n dread locks n glass was very rude with his staff the ladies even spoke to me in xhosa yet l couldn't understand n l was talking to… See more them in English n it was my wyf s birthday l chose khulula n l regret. Poor n bad services ever
See lessPosted May 2022 by Tawanda Charlton machererre
Bad service Kulula
Booked return tickets from Durban to Cape Townfor 2 passengers, on 06 May 22. My cheque account got debitted twice for the same amount, on 11 May 22 and 12 May 22. Had I not picked this up myself,am not sure if kulula would have refunded this. I called the… See more call center today on 13 May 22 and was told it will take 6 to 8 weeks to refund this money,once I furnished them with my bank statements,showing this double deduction. I sent an email to a Charity Tyala and not even a reply email,confirming receipt of my query and supporting documents. Very bad service to have to wait almost 2 months,for a no fault issue on my part.
See lessPosted May 2022 by Vishal, Western Cape
First try some else to fly with if no choice walk
Have to say the worst Wellcome then you board the plan, you get the feeling that we have to be here but don't want to be here, after take off the green curtain get closed and stays closed the whole flight, you only see the personel then the come around to sell… See more you overpriced food and drinks, then then you want Chips sorry we don't have but we have nuts, the the intercom is used to relay a message you cannot here that is said, after the service a very quick clean of the cabon and the personel hides behind the green curtain, then the pilot say prepare for landing green curtain opens but nobody will do a walk around to see is all devices in off, lady in front of me had here video on the whole time even then coming in to land. Then we left the plane no one were at the door to say goodbay have a great evening. If i have a choice KULULA will be the last choise.
See lessPosted May 2022 by 1Francois1, Durbanville
FLIGHT ON TIME
Had to fly to Johannesburg to take a British Airways flight to London. It was a clear day and the flight was fine. the flight was on time so we had plenty of time to catch our next flight.
Posted March 2022 by BARRYBE, Westville
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
Kulula — 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
- Kulula’s principal operating centre was Johannesburg, particularly O. R. Tambo International Airport. It also operated a significant schedule from Lanseria International Airport before ceasing operations.
- Kulula has no current longest route because it ceased flying in 2022. Its network changed over time, so identifying a single historical longest service would depend on the specific timetable period.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Since Kulula no longer operates, valid live results should show alternative airlines rather than bookable Kulula flights.
- Kulula no longer flies anywhere, having ceased operations in June 2022. Its former network mainly linked Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, George, Gqeberha and East London.
- Kulula has no current carry-on allowance because it no longer operates. Historical limits depended on the applicable fare rules, so travellers dealing with an old booking should consult their original ticket documents or liquidation notices.
- Kulula currently serves zero destinations because the airline has ceased operations. The size of its historical network varied by season and year.
- Historically, the main departure airports were Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo and Lanseria airports, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport near Durban. No Kulula departures operate today.
- Kulula tickets are no longer sold. For comparable South African domestic flights, midweek travel and booking outside school holidays and major events often produce lower fares, although prices remain demand-driven.