South Africa’s international air travel landscape is evolving rapidly in 2025, with several airlines launching or reinstating direct international routes to meet the growing demand from both business and leisure travelers. These developments mark a significant boost to the tourism industry and reinforce the country’s position as a key hub for Southern Africa.
Here’s a detailed look at the latest international flight routes being introduced or expanded:
Qantas Launches Johannesburg–Perth Direct Route
Qantas is set to launch a new direct route between Johannesburg and Perth, starting on 7 December 2025. The service will operate three times per week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays—and is expected to significantly shorten the travel time between South Africa and Australia.
The route will be served by an Airbus A330 aircraft, configured with 27 lie-flat business-class suites and 224 economy seats. With a flight time of approximately 10 hours, this service will cater to business professionals, expatriates, and tourists traveling between the two nations.
This new addition comes on the heels of Qantas upgrading its Johannesburg–Sydney route to an Airbus A380, a move that doubled capacity and reintroduced its First Class cabin to South African travelers.
Airlink Opens Cape Town–Gaborone Connection
Regional carrier Airlink is also expanding its footprint by launching a new service between Cape Town and Gaborone, Botswana, starting 1 April 2025. This will mark the first direct air connection between these two cities in recent history.
The flight will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—using a 44-seat Embraer Regional Jet. Departures from Cape Town are scheduled for 10:50 AM, arriving in Gaborone at 1:00 PM. Return flights will leave at 1:45 PM and arrive back in Cape Town at 4:00 PM.
This new route supports growing demand from the business sector, tourism operators, and diplomatic missions that require efficient travel between South Africa and Botswana.
South African Airways Resumes Dar es Salaam Route
South African Airways (SAA) is ramping up its presence on the continent by reinstating daily flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The service resumed on 20 January 2025 and has been welcomed by travelers looking for convenient options to East Africa.
Flights leave Johannesburg at 10:00 PM and arrive in Dar es Salaam at 2:30 AM. The return leg departs at 5:10 AM and lands back in Johannesburg at 7:55 AM. This route not only boosts regional connectivity but also caters to South Africa’s business and tourism interests in East Africa.
Lufthansa Reintroduces Munich–Johannesburg Flights
After nearly two decades, Lufthansa has brought back its direct service between Munich and Johannesburg. The route resumed on 3 September 2024 and operates three times weekly—on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The Airbus A350-900 used on this route seats 293 passengers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. Flights from Johannesburg depart at 8:20 AM and arrive in Munich at 6:50 PM. The return leg provides South African travelers with convenient access to Europe through Lufthansa’s Munich hub.
This route is especially valuable for travelers connecting to other parts of Europe, North America, and Asia via one of the continent’s major aviation hubs.
Norse Atlantic Airways Expands London–Cape Town Flights
Budget airline Norse Atlantic Airways has responded to increased demand by expanding its London Gatwick–Cape Town route. Originally launched in October 2024 with three weekly flights, the airline now plans to increase frequency to six times per week.
This seasonal route, which initially ended in April, has now been extended to run from October through May 2026. Norse Atlantic offers budget-friendly fares and is becoming a popular choice for South Africans looking for cost-effective travel to and from the United Kingdom.
The airline’s competitive pricing and growing popularity make it a strong player in transcontinental leisure travel.
Etihad Airways Increases Abu Dhabi–Johannesburg Capacity
Etihad Airways is increasing its Johannesburg service as well. Starting in March 2025, the carrier will increase its flight frequency from Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg to four times per week, with plans to transition to daily flights by 1 August 2025.
This move supports stronger ties between the Middle East and Southern Africa, providing better access for travelers heading to Asia and Europe via the UAE.
With daily flights on the horizon, Etihad is positioning itself to serve both business travelers and the large South African expatriate community in the Middle East.
A Positive Outlook for South African Aviation
These new and reinstated routes are a positive sign for South Africa’s aviation industry, especially as global travel continues to rebound. Improved international connectivity helps stimulate economic growth, boosts tourism, and strengthens diplomatic and trade relations.
For South African travelers, the new routes offer greater convenience, more choices, and improved access to important global markets. Whether it’s flying to Europe for business, vacationing in Australia, or exploring neighboring African countries, the skies are looking increasingly open for South Africa in 2025.
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