Airline
South African Express Airways (4N)
South African Express Airways (SA Express) was a prominent regional airline based at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Before ceasing operations in 2020, it provided crucial domestic and regional feeder services across Southern Africa, specializing in connecting secondary cities and business hubs.
Why travelers choose South African Express Airways
- •Former state-owned regional partner of South African Airways (SAA)
- •Hubbed at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg
- •Operated a specialized fleet of Bombardier CRJ and Q400 aircraft
- •Focused on connecting secondary regional cities and mining hubs
Fare families
Economy Saver
Budget-friendly fares designed for travelers with fixed itineraries requiring minimal flexibility.
- •1 x 7kg carry-on bag
- •Standard seating
- •Non-refundable
- •Flight changes permitted with a high fee
Economy Standard
A balanced fare offering standard checked baggage allowances and moderate ticket flexibility for regional travel.
- •1 x 7kg carry-on bag
- •1 x 20kg checked bag
- •Standard seating
- •Flight changes permitted with a standard fee
Economy Flexible
Maximum flexibility tailored for business travelers who require adaptable schedules and priority services.
- •1 x 7kg carry-on bag
- •1 x 20kg checked bag
- •Preferred seating selection
- •Free flight changes
- •Fully refundable cancellations
Key policies
Baggage allowance
Historically, SA Express permitted 1 piece of carry-on baggage up to 7kg, plus a small personal item. Economy checked baggage allowances typically included up to 20kg, subject to specific route and fare conditions.
Change policy
Ticket modifications depended on the fare class purchased. Flexible fares allowed changes with minimal or no penalty, while promotional and saver fares incurred change fees plus any applicable fare differences.
Check-in
Online check-in was available 24 hours prior to departure. Airport check-in counters for domestic flights typically opened 2 hours before departure and closed strictly 45 minutes prior to boarding.
Colombo (CMB) network
South African Express Airways operating flights touching CMB
Sample operating pattern; confirm exact days and times during booking.
From Colombo (CMB)
CMB → DXB
Flight 4N 203 • Daily
CMB → SIN
Flight 4N 468 • Daily
CMB → LHR
Flight 4N 503 • Mon / Wed / Fri
To Colombo (CMB)
DXB → CMB
Flight 4N 204 • Daily
SIN → CMB
Flight 4N 469 • Daily
LHR → CMB
Flight 4N 504 • Tue / Thu / Sat