South African Airways (SAA) has unveiled plans for a substantial expansion of its flight network across Africa, beginning in November 2024.
The airline said the move was fueled by its unwavering desire to improve connectivity across Africa, while also catering to the increasing demand for travel during peak seasons.
In addition to expanding its African routes, SAA will boost its flight frequencies to Mauritius in December and Perth in January 2025.
Starting in November, SAA will increase its flights to Harare and Lusaka to 12 times weekly, up from the current 10.
The enhancement reflects the growing demand for travel to these vibrant destinations. Likewise, the airline will expand services to Lagos and Accra, increasing the number of weekly flights from three to four, further solidifying its presence in these key West African markets.
Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), SAA will enhance its footprint in Kinshasa by increasing flights to five times a week, ensuring stronger links between the southern and central parts of the continent.
Domestically, the airline will bolster its offerings, with flights to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) increasing to three times daily.
The move demonstrates SAA’s dedication to catering to both regional and local demands, offering travelers more flexibility and convenience.
Commenting on the development, SAA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola, emphasised the airline’s dedication to consolidating its leadership role in connecting Africa following its ambitious route expansion since 2021.
The strategy aligns with SAA’s broader goal of facilitating trade and tourism while contributing to South Africa’s economic growth.
“South Africa has seen a promising travel recovery this year, with most visitors coming from other parts of the African continent. Our strategic growth focuses on expanding routes based on demand and feasibility. We are also guided by our unique mandate as a national carrier, to ensure that we help grow South Africa’s economy. Air travel plays a key role in building our tourism and trade links across Africa, which benefits both South Africa and the continent as a whole,” Lamola said.
On the international front, SAA is also scaling up its most popular routes. Starting in December, the airline will operate two daily flights to Mauritius to accommodate the surge in demand during the peak holiday season.
Mauritius, a renowned tropical paradise, has always been a favorite destination for travelers from South Africa and beyond, and SAA’s increased capacity will ensure seamless travel for holidaymakers.
In addition, the airline will expand its services to Perth, a thriving city that holds significant appeal for South African travelers. Beginning 7 January 2025, SAA will increase its flights to Perth from three to five times a week.
This boost reflects the popularity of the route and the importance of maintaining strong travel links between South Africa and Australia.
