South African Airways (SAA) has announced a significant boost to its flight schedules, increasing frequencies to several key African destinations and popular international routes.
Starting in November 2024, SAA will ramp up services to Harare, Lusaka, Lagos, and Accra, enhancing its role as a vital connector within Africa. Additionally, SAA will increase flights to Mauritius in December, followed by more flights to Perth in January 2025.
The new schedule sees SAA offering 12 weekly flights to both Harare and Lusaka, up from 10 and seven weekly flights, respectively. Flights to Lagos and Accra will also increase, from three to four times per week. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, will see an expansion to five weekly flights, boosting SAA’s presence in this critical market.
Domestically, SAA is strengthening its connection to Gqeberha, now flying three times a day to meet rising demand.
SAA Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, highlighted the airline’s continued recovery and growth following its route expansion in 2021. “South Africa has seen a strong resurgence in travel, with most visitors coming from across Africa. Our expansion strategy is driven by this demand and our commitment to strengthening Africa’s connectivity. As a national carrier, we are committed to growing South Africa’s economy by fostering tourism and trade across the continent.”
Expanding International Routes
SAA’s successful routes to Mauritius and Perth are also set to benefit from increased flight frequencies. From December 2024, the airline will offer twice-daily flights to Mauritius, perfectly timed for the busy holiday season. Perth, a key destination for South African travellers, will see additional flights starting in December, increasing to five weekly services by January 2025.
With these expanded services, SAA is poised to enhance travel options for both business and leisure passengers, reaffirming its commitment to being a leading carrier in Africa.