South African Airways (SAA) has unveiled a series of strategic network expansions, reaffirming its role as a leading African carrier. From November 2025, the airline will launch a new route between Johannesburg and Gaborone, Botswana, while also boosting capacity on key regional and international routes ahead of the busy festive season.
Twice-Daily Flights to Gaborone
Starting Tuesday, 4 November 2025, SAA will operate two daily return flights between Johannesburg (JNB) and Gaborone (GBE), seven days a week.
- Morning service: Departs JNB at 06:50 → Arrives GBE 07:45. Return departs 08:25 → Arrives JNB 09:25.
- Afternoon service: Departs JNB at 16:25 → Arrives GBE 17:20. Return departs 18:00 → Arrives JNB 19:00.
Group CEO Prof John Lamola highlighted that the new route strengthens cultural and economic ties between South Africa and Botswana.
“The launch of this route not only reinforces SAA’s position as a premium network carrier but also reflects our commitment to connecting travellers across regional and intercontinental networks,” he said.
More Flights for the Festive Season
SAA has also announced increased frequencies on high-demand routes to cater to peak festive travel. From 1 October 2025 to 11 February 2026, the following additions will be made:
- Johannesburg – Lagos (LOS): Six flights per week (new Monday and Tuesday services).
- Johannesburg – Accra (ACC): Six flights per week (new Wednesday and Friday services).
- Johannesburg – São Paulo (GRU): Additional Wednesday and Sunday flights from 10 December 2025.
Chief Commercial Officer Mr Tebogo Tsimane emphasized SAA’s focus on customer experience:
“We are strengthening our network with more flights, more frequencies, and more opportunities to connect Africa to the world. We are aiming higher to serve our customers better this festive season.”
Delivering Connectivity and Choice
SAA is encouraging travellers to book early to secure competitive fares during the busy period. Customers can expect:
- Transparent, all-inclusive fares
- Voyager miles on every flight
- Business Class comfort with premium lounge access
- Seamless onward connections via Star Alliance and codeshare partners
- Authentic African hospitality onboard
Whether travelling for family reunions, cultural events like Detty December and AfroFuture, or international highlights such as the Brazilian Carnival build-up, SAA is positioning itself as the airline of choice for regional and international connectivity.
