Finally! Direct Flights from South Africa to India on the Horizon
For years, South Africans travelling to India have had to endure lengthy layovers and indirect routes. But that's about to change! South Africa is pushing hard to re-establish direct flight connections with India, potentially revolutionising travel and trade between the two nations.
Mumbai-Johannesburg: The Frontrunner
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that a direct flight between Mumbai and Johannesburg is a top priority. South African Airways (SAA) hasn't flown to India in over a decade, but they're aiming to resume services in 2026, following a period of restructuring and aircraft shortages.
Mpho Rambau, ACSA’s Acting Group Manager for Traffic Development, emphasized the strong demand, citing market research indicating over 126,000 annual passengers currently travelling between the two countries via connecting hubs in the Middle East. The business case, according to Rambau, is “commercially viable and ready to go.”
Cape Town and Durban, Too!
The ambition doesn't stop at Johannesburg. ACSA envisions linking Mumbai not only to Joburg but also to Cape Town and Durban in the future. A Delhi-Johannesburg route is also being considered, tapping into India's expanding outbound travel market and strengthening trade relations.
Cape Town has been actively campaigning for a direct flight. James Vos, the city's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development, met with airline executives and government officials in March to advocate for the route. He stated, “We’ve been running campaigns in India, building partnerships and preparing Cape Town as a strong destination. The interest is real.”
Tourism and Trade Set to Soar
The potential benefits are significant. India is among South Africa's top 15 priority growth markets and ranked as the country's seventh-largest overseas source of tourists in the first half of 2025. Over 42,600 Indian travellers visited between January and July, a figure that, while below pre-pandemic levels, demonstrates substantial growth potential. Direct flights will undoubtedly boost these numbers further, fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between South Africa and India.