Air connectivity to and from South Africa improved last week, thanks to the introduction of a new international destination, as well as an additional flight on one of the world’s biggest airlines.
On Friday, Chilean multinational airline LATAM Airlines’ inaugural direct flight from São Paulo touched down at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA).
Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille welcomed the arrival of the South American carrier, hailing it as an important milestone for the future of connectivity, trade, investment and cooperation between the two regions.
The minister noted that the inauguration is an expression of confidence in South Africa’s travel market growth and arrives on the back of the cabinet-approved Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan.
“Our strategy seeks to increase direct connectivity while ensuring marketing support and alignment with provincial route development structures as we spread the benefits of tourism,” she said.
“Air route development is not simply about adding flights. It is about unlocking economic growth, creating jobs and making South Africa more accessible to the world.”
During her address, the minister noted that despite the ongoing geopolitical tension with the North American nation, the USA topped the list of overseas arrivals in May 2026, surpassing the UK.
South Africa welcomed 41,846 American travellers during the month, as well as 22,160 arrivals from the UK.
The biggest improvement comes from South America, with 40.6% more Brazilian tourists arriving in South Africa compared to May last year.
This comes after Lille and the Brazilian Minister of Tourism, Feliciano Belo, signed the 2026-2029 Action Plan between the two nations.
Areas of cooperation under the agreement include, among others, collaboration on air access, such as support for direct flight routes, including the one LATAM has launched.
South African Tourism is also working with the airline to support Brazilian travel trade partners in promoting South Africa as a destination.
Emirates adds additional flights to South Africa
Beyond the expansion of international airlines and destinations, those operating to and from South Africa are also expanding their offerings, including Emirates.
On Friday, the Portfolio Committee on Tourism welcomed the Dubai-based airline’s launch of a third daily flight to Cape Town, which includes passenger and cargo transport.
The committee noted that the additional daily service will increase seat capacity and improve connectivity, making it easier for international visitors, investors and the South African diaspora to choose South Africa.
Its Chairperson, Ronalda Nalumango, said the exciting development happened at a time when tourism is critical to job creation and economic growth, noting that more airlift is exactly what is needed.
“The new flight will support our recovery efforts, open new markets across the Middle East and Asia, and strengthen trade and cargo links that benefit agriculture, manufacturing, and small businesses,” she said.
The committee noted that it looks forward to working with the airline, as well as the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), and the broader tourism value chain to welcome more visitors.
Nalumango said that additional flights add more jobs, while more bookings add new opportunities for South Africans.
“Emirates’ third daily service is a clear signal that the world still wants to come to South Africa, and we are ready to welcome them,” she declared.
“This puts South Africa within easier reach of millions more travellers and will help South Africa grow tourism arrivals, especially from key source markets.”
The chairperson lauded the new flights for their benefit to local businesses, thanks to additional fresh produce – including fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood and flowers – transported to export destinations.
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