Lufthansa is greatly expanding its flight services to and from South Africa in the lead-up to the end of 2026.
The German airline is preparing to launch a packed flight roster for the winter schedule for the 2026/2027 period, with 38 weekly long-haul flights between South Africa and Europe.
The company said that the expanded schedule will begin at the end of October 2026, introducing additional long-haul flights to South Africa.
The number of weekly flights between Munich and Johannesburg will increase from three to five, with aircraft taking off every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Using a Lufthansa Airbus A350-900, the service will operate as a night service in both directions. Starting on 27 October 2026, flights will depart Joburg or Munich in the evening and arrive at their respective destinations early the next morning.
Lufthansa said this schedule will make it easier for travellers visiting Europe to make connecting flights to other parts of the continent.
Joburg isn’t the only city benefiting from the expanded schedule, as Cape Town is getting an additional Monday direct flight to Frankfurt.
This will turn the Cape Town-Frankfurt route into a daily flight. This service also includes Lufthansa’s latest “Allegris” cabin design with Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class options.
Cape Town’s daily connection to Munich will also continue to operate as planned.
Better flights to Switzerland
Swiss Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, is upgrading its daily Zurich-Johannesburg flight to use the new Airbus A350.
Lufthansa stated that the new Swiss airline features a completely redesigned cabin interior, with new standards for relaxation and design.
Lufthansa’s other Swiss airline, Edelweiss, will continue to operate the Cape Town–Zurich route up to five times a week using an Airbus A350.
The German air carrier said the busier schedule is thanks to South Africa’s tourism sector, which has shown strong growth with a record 10.5 million international arrivals in 2025.
“South Africa is one of Lufthansa Group’s most important long-haul markets in Africa, and our Winter 2026/27 schedule reflects that confidence,” said René Koinzack from Lufthansa Group Airlines.
“With more flights, better overnight timings from Johannesburg and our latest cabin products on key routes, we are giving South African travellers more choice, more comfort and stronger access.”
Loading ...
