FlySafair launches new international flight

FlySafair has officially started flying between Cape Town and Windhoek, Namibia.

The new flight marks the low-cost airline’s first regional route from Cape Town.

It said the new route will make cross-border travel more accessible and affordable for customers.

South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, joined the FlySafair team and other delegates at Cape Town International Airport on the initial flight, highlighting the new route in fostering regional tourism and economic growth.

“We are extremely excited to have this highly anticipated route operational before the summer holidays at the end of the year and offer our customers further opportunities to visit loved ones or explore the sights of Namibia and its capital from our doorstep,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.

“It has been a long-time goal of ours to expand into the Windhoek market, and with more aircraft availability in Cape Town, we have been able to make this a reality, enhancing connectivity between two popular destinations in southern Africa.”

Tickets start from just R1,800, which is a budget-friendly option compared to other airfares ranging from R5,000 to R9,000.

The airline said that the new route would allow local and foreign travellers to see family and friends, pursue business interests, enjoy Windhoek’s culture and hospitality, or explore Namibia’s other unique natural attractions, such as the Namib desert and the Fish River Canyon.

The flights will run twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, meeting the demand for increased travel on the route, which has only been recorded at 83% of pre-COVID levels.

“By offering competitive fares on this expansion of our network, we are helping to boost the travel industry in the southern African region,” added Gordon.

“This new route reinforces our commitment to offering everyone safe, reliable, and affordable flights. Whether it is for leisure, business, or family reunions, we aim to make travelling in South Africa and beyond more accessible than ever.”

Introducing the Cape Town to Windhoek route adds to FlySafair’s other regional destinations, including Harare and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Not the only flight

Several other local and international airlines are also increasing their flights in and out of South Africa.

Air France started flying between Paris and Cape Town on 7 October, while Air Botswana started flights from Gaborone and Durban on 11 October.

Low-cost airline Norse Atlantic Airways will start operating a flight between London Gatwick and Cape Town. Starting on 28 October, three weekly flights between London and Cape Town will start.

German Airlines also plans to return to its seasonal route between Cape Town and Munich in December after relaunching its year-long route between Johannesburg and Munich last month.

Several other flights are also planned for 2025.

Australian national carrier Qantas plans to bring back flights from Johannesburg to Perth in mid-2025, subject to meeting border agency requirements in Western Australia. This would see the group directly compete with SAA, which launched a flight between the two destinations in April 2024.

Airlink has also received authorisation to fly between Cape Town and Gaborone, with flights planned to commence on 1 April 2025.

Read: 5-star international hotel brand coming to South Africa