New direct flights to SA bring excitement to tourism industry

Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, has expressed her excitement and gratitude on behalf of the tourism sector following United Airlines’ recent announcement to increase its flights to South Africa.

The airline will be expanding its African network by introducing a new long-haul service from Washington Dulles Airport to Cape Town International Airport.

The successful launch of the route in November 2022, operating three times a week, has demonstrated a high demand for direct flights between the two countries.

United Airlines’ second African route, linking Newark with Johannesburg, also operates daily since June 2021 and will be expanded by the airline.

In 2024, arrivals from the United States of America to South Africa stood at over 430,000, showcasing a 5.2% increase compared to the previous year.

Minister de Lille highlighted the significant impact of direct flights on tourism arrivals, noting that in 2023, arrivals from the USA increased by 37.4% following the introduction of direct flights between the two countries.

The Minister emphasised the importance of airlift in the tourism sector, stating that direct flights make travel between destinations more desirable and are proven to increase tourism arrivals.

She expressed optimism about the positive impact that the increased flights will have on tourism to South Africa, particularly from the United States, one of the country’s top source markets.