South African Airways is set to introduce new routes out of Cape Town, expanding its flight offerings to include more travel destinations. The announcement was made by SAA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Tebogo Tsimane, at the Travel Indaba in Durban. One of the most anticipated routes is a direct seasonal flight from Cape Town to Mauritius, scheduled to commence in November 2025. This new route is poised to provide a convenient way for travelers to reach the tropical paradise without the need for a layover in Johannesburg.
While Air Mauritius currently operates a direct service from Cape Town, the introduction of SAA’s route is expected to enhance competition and potentially lead to reduced airfares. The current late-night departure time from Cape Town for the Mauritius flight can be challenging for passengers, with an early morning arrival on the island. The hope is that SAA’s schedule will offer a more favorable travel experience for passengers.
Another exciting addition is the forthcoming direct flight from Cape Town to Durban, though the launch date for this route is yet to be confirmed. The reintroduction of this route by SAA will facilitate easier travel between the two cities, catering to both business and leisure travelers. Increased competition resulting from this new route could translate to more travel options and potentially lower ticket prices for passengers.
Expanding beyond Cape Town, SAA is also unveiling new routes such as Johannesburg to George, set to commence in April 2026, and a Johannesburg to East London service awaiting confirmation of its launch date. Additionally, regional flights from Johannesburg to Gaborone, Botswana, are slated to begin in October 2025, further enhancing connectivity within the Southern African region.
Looking ahead, SAA has ambitious plans to enhance its long-haul services, with intentions to resume intercontinental flights to Mumbai, India, and introduce new routes to Guangzhou, China, in 2026. These strategic moves aim to bolster SAA’s global reach and provide travelers with more diverse options for international travel.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the introduction of these new routes by South African Airways signifies a commitment to enhancing connectivity and meeting the evolving needs of travelers. The expansion of flight offerings from Cape Town and other key cities underscores the airline’s efforts to provide passengers with a more comprehensive and convenient travel experience.
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