South African Airways (SAA) has launched a new direct service between South Africa and Mauritius.
The airline held its inaugural flight this week on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, marking an important milestone for its continued growth and financial recovery.
The new service, which takes passengers from Cape Town International Airport to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in the island nation, will operate three times a week, all year round.
“The launch of the Cape Town-Mauritius route is more than just network expansion; it is tangible evidence that SAA is back, stable, and focused on a future of profitable growth,” said Tebogo Tsimane, SAA’s Chief Commercial Officer.
“Our focus is on sustainable expansion, reinforcing our trusted legacy, delivering the world-class service our customers expect, and positioning SAA as the reliable partner for the future of African aviation.”
South Africa is Mauritius’s second-largest source of direct foreign investment in Africa, and Cape Town is seen as a critical global gateway for business on the continent, which is one of the key reasons why SAA launched the new route.
It is, of course, also an incredibly popular holiday destination, allowing visitors to enjoy its tropical beaches and world-class amenities.
SAA noted that the inaugural flight departed for Mauritius at full capacity, indicating strong demand for the service.
Travel to Mauritius has rebounded strongly since Covid-19, recovering to 93% of its pre-pandemic traffic levels between January and August 2025.
The airline also stated that the route provides a fast channel for cargo between the two nations, strengthening economic ties between the Southern African Development Community and the Indian Ocean rim.
Adding to the list
The Cape Town-Mauritius route is one of several new flights South Africa has received this year.
SAA recently added a new service from Johannesburg to Gabarone in Botswana, and Air France has expanded its seasonal flights between Paris and Cape Town until May 2026 due to popular demand.
The Australian-based airline Qantas plans to open a new route from Joburg to Perth this month, which will also allow for easier connections to other cities in the Land Down Under, from Melbourne to Brisbane and Adelaide.
On the domestic side, FlySafair has opened a new route between Cape Town and Hoedspruit in Limpopo, making it easier for both domestic and foreign tourists to visit the many game farms in the regions.
FlySafair is also increasing the number of flights to and from Lanseria as an alternative to O.R. Tambo, and it is adding two new flight options to East London and Gqeberha.
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