South Africa’s tourism sector is celebrating a major boost as expanded Airbus A380 services from international airlines are expected to drive a significant increase in arrivals from key markets, including Australia and the UK.
With the introduction of these expanded services, the country is poised for a stronger recovery following the pandemic.
Launched at the end of September, Qantas’ new A380 service between Perth and Johannesburg is set to almost double passenger capacity on the route, adding an extra 130,000 seats annually and bringing the total to 280,000 seats per year. This development follows Emirates’ relaunch of its second daily A380 service between Dubai and Johannesburg on September 1.
In further exciting news, British Airways has announced that from June 2025, both of its daily flights between London and Johannesburg will be operated by the A380, increasing capacity on the route by 30%.
Direct Flights Critical for Tourism Growth
According to David Frost, CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), these expanded flight connections will play a vital role in driving the recovery of tourism from Australia and the UK, markets which have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.
“Direct flights from the UK and Australia – including the newly introduced A380 services – are crucial for driving South Africa’s tourism growth and economic upliftment,” said Frost. “With the UK market currently at 82% and Australia at 87% of pre-pandemic levels, these connections are indispensable for maintaining momentum and unlocking our tourism potential.”
Frost emphasised the importance of not just bringing in more visitors but encouraging them to stay longer and explore more of the country.
Strong Growth from Australia
Rebuilding air access from Australia, including the reintroduction of South African Airways’ (SAA) Perth-Johannesburg route, has led to a surge in arrivals from the Australian market. For the January to August period, South Africa welcomed 61,023 visitors from Australia, a 10.2% increase over 2023, according to Statistics South Africa’s latest international tourism report.
“The increase in arrivals reflects the robust demand from the Australian market,” said Frost. “The expanded capacity offered by the Qantas A380 is expected to further fuel this growth.”
SAA’s decision to ramp up the frequency of its Perth-Johannesburg flights starting in December is expected to boost these numbers further, potentially pushing arrivals from Australia beyond pre-pandemic levels. Leading South African tour operators have reported strong forward bookings from Australian travellers through to 2026.
British Airways’ A380 to Aid UK Market Recovery
The UK, South Africa’s second-largest overseas source market, has been slower to recover, with arrivals from January to August down 2.1% year-on-year. Frost noted that ongoing economic uncertainty and the cost of living crisis in the UK, coupled with lingering post-pandemic travel hesitancy, have contributed to the slower rebound.
However, British Airways’ decision to introduce the A380 on both of its daily London-Johannesburg flights in 2025 signals growing confidence in the UK market. Frost remains optimistic, noting, “The introduction of this larger aircraft is a positive step toward accelerating recovery from this key market.”
Focus on Streamlined Border Processing
As South Africa enters its peak tourist season, Frost also highlighted the importance of efficient border processing to ensure a smooth experience for international visitors.
“Efficient processing at ports of entry is critical for creating a positive first impression,” Frost said. “We’re actively engaging with authorities to address staffing shortages at key points of entry and improve processes. It’s essential that government addresses these issues quickly as we anticipate a surge in tourist numbers during the high season.”
While increased flight capacity and ongoing marketing efforts are encouraging, Frost stressed that several challenges remain, including safety and security, infrastructure, and staffing at key entry points.
Encouraging Signs Ahead
Despite these challenges, Frost is encouraged by the recent progress made with the finalisation of the government’s white paper on the development and promotion of tourism in South Africa. The paper calls for stronger partnerships and public-private sector collaboration to meet tourism goals.
As of August 2024, South Africa has recorded 5.8 million tourist arrivals, a 7% year-on-year increase. The Department of Tourism is targeting 10.7 million arrivals by the end of the year, and with expanded A380 services, the country’s tourism recovery is set to gain significant momentum.