South African Airways (SAA) is set to launch a new route between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), starting November 4. This new route complements SAA’s existing flights to Kinshasa, with both services being available five times a week. The carrier has also previously increased flights from Johannesburg to Harare.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
In a broader effort to strengthen its regional footprint, SAA is enhancing its flight offerings across key African destinations. Beginning in November, the airline will increase its weekly flights to Harare and Lusaka to 12, up from the current frequencies of ten and seven, respectively. Connections to Lagos and Accra will also increase, rising from three to four weekly flights.
Perth and Mauritius
25 September – To cater to the demand during the busy holiday period, SAA will introduce two daily flights to Mauritius in December, making this a permanent part of its schedule. The airline’s service to Perth will expand to five weekly flights starting January 7.
Flights to Gqeberha
On the domestic front, SAA is adding more flights to Gqeberha after reopening the renovated lounge at Gqeberha airport, moving from two to three flights per day.
SAA Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, emphasized the company’s focus on strengthening its role as a critical player in African air travel following rapid growth since 2021 as per TravelNews. He noted that the airline’s current strategy aims to support South Africa’s economic growth by facilitating travel within the continent.
‘South Africa has experienced a significant recovery in travel demand this year, with many visitors coming from neighbouring African countries. Our expansion plan is guided by both demand and the importance of fostering economic ties,’ said Lamola.
Discussing the new Johannesburg-Lubumbashi route, he highlighted the strong demand for direct flights between South Africa and the DRC, driven by business, trade, and the strategic importance of both cities as mining hubs on the continent.
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Airlink
Airlink have also expanded a few routes on their schedule.
CPT – Gaborone
28 August 2024 – Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier airline, announced plans to launch direct flights between Cape Town and Gaborone starting from 1 April 2025. This development came after the regulatory authorities in Botswana and South Africa granted all necessary approvals. Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster, expressed gratitude to both governments for their cooperation, allowing the airline to resume bookings for this route. The service aims to meet the growing demand for travel between these two key destinations, offering three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Passengers will travel aboard modern 44-seat Embraer E140 Regional Jets, enjoying amenities such as a complimentary light meal, refreshments, and generous baggage allowances, including options for sporting equipment.
You can see the flight schedule here.
JHB – Beira
26 September – Airlink has announced that it will now operate daily flights between OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Beira International Airport in Mozambique. Previously, the airline served this route six days a week, but with the addition of a new return flight on Wednesdays, passengers will now have daily travel options between these destinations.
JHB- Maputo
29 September 2024 – Airlink expanded its regional capacity with additional flights to Maputo and Dar es Salaam. From October 1, the airline has introduced an extra daily flight between Johannesburg and Maputo, complementing its existing schedule of three daily flights from Monday to Saturday and two on Sundays. The new service, operated by a 98-seat E-jet, departs Johannesburg at 08h05 and arrives in Maputo at 09h15, with a return flight at 09h55, landing in Johannesburg at 11h00. Additionally, as of September 21, Airlink added a Saturday frequency to its Johannesburg-Dar es Salaam route, bringing the service to daily flights. The new Saturday flight departs Johannesburg at 09h40, arriving in Dar es Salaam at 14h10, with a return at 14h50, arriving back in Johannesburg at 17h35.
JHB – Kinshasha
4 October 2024 – Airlink is set to expand its services to the Democratic Republic of Congo with the launch of Johannesburg-Kinshasa flights from March 28, 2025. The new route will operate three times a week using 98-seat Embraer E190 aircraft. Airlink CEO Rodger Foster highlighted Kinshasa’s importance as Africa’s most populous city and a political and economic hub, expressing confidence in the new route’s success. Flights will be conveniently scheduled to connect with Airlink’s domestic and regional services, as well as its global airline partners. The Johannesburg-Kinshasa flight will depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 20h30, with the return leg leaving Kinshasa on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 00h25.
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