New Flight Routes Expand South Africa’s Air Links in 2025

JOHANNESBURG — 2025

South Africa’s major airports will gain new international and domestic connections through flight route expansions launching in late 2025. Airlines are adding direct services to Australia, increased UK capacity, and regional African routes.

Qantas restarts direct Johannesburg-Perth flights from 7 December 2025. The airline will operate three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. (Qantas announcement)

South African Airways (SAA) introduces two routes: Cape Town-Mauritius flights starting 9 December with three weekly flights (reducing to two weekly off-peak), and double-daily Johannesburg-Gaborone services beginning 4 November 2025. (SAA announcement)

Norse Atlantic Airways significantly expands its seasonal London Gatwick-Cape Town service from 2 October 2025 to May 2026. The budget carrier will increase frequency from three to six flights weekly. (Norse Atlantic announcement)

The new connections aim to strengthen tourism and regional economic ties while providing more international travel options. Airlines cite growing demand for South African routes as driving the expansions.