South African Airways (SAA) is set to launch an exciting new route, with five flights per week from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, commencing on 1 November 2024.
Lubumbashi, the DRC’s second-largest city and its mining powerhouse, is home to many of the country’s leading mining companies. As Africa’s top copper producer and the world’s fourth-largest, Lubumbashi also produces half of the globe’s cobalt, predominantly sourced from Katanga Province.
The city’s significance is further amplified by the Lobito Railroad Corridor, which channels mining products from the interior to the Atlantic port of Lobito. The surge in global demand for electric vehicles has heightened the corridor’s importance, solidifying Lubumbashi’s status as an economic linchpin for the DRC.
“Our new route to Lubumbashi opens up exciting opportunities for both business and leisure travellers, strengthening our network in Africa,” said Carla da Silva, SAA’s GM of Sales Marketing Distribution and E-Commerce, in a statement to Tourism Update. “Connecting to Lubumbashi supports economic growth and fosters stronger business ties between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With our direct flights to Lubumbashi, passengers can now enjoy more accessible travel options to this vibrant city.”
Lubumbashi is strategically located in the southeast of the DRC, bordering Zambia, making it an ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers. With SAA’s new direct flights, the city is now more accessible than ever.
