South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national carrier, has officially announced new domestic and regional routes as part of its post-restructuring recovery strategy. The announcement, made at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 by Interim Chief Commercial Officer Tebogo Tsimane, reflects SAA’s mission to reestablish itself as a leading player in African aviation.
The expansion includes key domestic connections; Johannesburg to George, Johannesburg to East London, and Cape Town to Durban as well as regional routes such as Johannesburg to Gaborone (Botswana) and Cape Town to Mauritius. These developments aim to strengthen tourism, trade, and cultural ties across Southern Africa.
Domestic Route Development: Boosting Connectivity Across South Africa
- Johannesburg to George (April 2026 launch): Direct access to the scenic Garden Route, supporting leisure and business tourism.
- Johannesburg to East London (launch date TBC): Enhances access to Eastern Cape industries, ports, and tourism.
- Cape Town to Durban (launch date TBC): A long-awaited east–west connection between two major metros, improving both leisure and business travel.
Regional Expansion: Strengthening Southern Africa’s Aviation Network
- Johannesburg to Gaborone (October 2025): Restores a vital link with Botswana, boosting trade and tourism.
- Cape Town to Mauritius (November 2025, seasonal): Caters to growing demand for tropical beach holidays and enhances outbound leisure travel.
Long-Haul Ambitions for 2026
SAA plans to resume intercontinental flights in 2026, including routes to Mumbai, India and Guangzhou, China, strengthening trade, BRICS partnerships, and diaspora connections.
The route expansion supports:
- South Africa’s National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) by improving access to tourism hubs.
- SADC regional integration through affordable, efficient travel links.
- Trade and investment growth by connecting business hubs.
- Job creation in aviation, hospitality, and related industries.
SAA’s Tebogo Tsimane noted:
“Our new routes reflect market needs and our belief in aviation as a driver of regional development.”
Booking and Information
Travelers can book and find more details on flight schedules, ticket sales, and loyalty programs via SAA’s official website.
