United Airlines shifts flight to boost Cape Town-US routes

CAPE TOWN — 27 August 2025

United Airlines will move a weekly service from Johannesburg to Cape Town from 29 October, adding more options for travelers flying between the Mother City and the United States.

The airline will shift its current Johannesburg-Newark flight to instead operate between Cape Town and Newark.

This change expands Cape Town’s direct transatlantic connections while slightly reducing Johannesburg’s flight frequency. United will cut Johannesburg-Newark flights from daily service to six trips weekly.

Cape Town will gain four weekly Newark flights plus three weekly services to Washington, D.C.

The airline stated this realignment matches seasonal demand patterns. Cape Town attracts peak international visitors during the Southern Hemisphere summer, while Johannesburg maintains year-round business travel traffic.

United initially sought approval for these adjustments earlier this year to improve flexibility amid changing travel trends (airline statement).

The new Washington route provides South African travelers direct access to the US capital. American tourists gain simpler connections to Cape Town’s beaches, winelands and cultural attractions.