Flying between South Africa and the UK will become even more accessible as two British airlines add new flights this month.
British Airways has created a brand-new route with direct flights from King Shaka International Airport in Durban to Heathrow Airport in London three times a week, begining on 29 October. The UK carrier hopes to entice citizens to Durban’s year-round warm weather, inviting them to ‘enjoy golden sun kissed beaches’ on the Golden MIle.
Flights will be operated on the airline’s newest fleet, the Boeing 787-8 and the new route will be the only non-stop link between Durban and Europe.
Virgin Atlantic will also be adding a second daily flight service between OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Heathrow Airport in London from 28 October. Boeing 787-9 aircraft will be used for these trips.
For those who struggle with FOMO, the good news is that both the BA Boeing 787-8 and the Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 offer in-flight WiFi.
Data published earlier this year (based on flights from the begining of 2017 to mid-2018) by Travelstart indicate that Harare, Zimbabwe had more South African visitors flying in than London did. However, with new flights between England and South Africa, London will almost certainly take the number one spot again.
Referring to the new British Airways flights from Heathrow to King Shaka International, Sihle Zikalala, Minister for the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, said: “We are proud to be able to showcase the city of Durban to the world through this new British Airways direct flight, the sheer diversity in travel and business opportunities that visitors can access through this gateway into the province of KwaZulu-Natal will unlock enormous potential.
“Great Britain and KwaZulu-Natal share a very rich history, and we are excited to be able to rekindle that relationship with the launch of this new route. The investment and trade opportunities presented by this direct flight between Durban and London will undoubtedly add value to our economy.”
