FlySafair is considering several new international and domestic routes as it plans the next phase of its expansion, with destinations in southern and East Africa firmly on its radar.
Gallo Images/Jaco Marais
According to BusinessTech, FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon outlined the airline’s ambitions during a recent media roundtable, highlighting several routes under consideration.
The airline is looking to expand its existing Johannesburg-Harare service following strong demand. Gordon said the Zimbabwean route currently offers around 8,000 seats per week and has performed well since launch.
A direct Johannesburg-Windhoek service is also being explored. FlySafair already serves the Namibian capital from Cape Town, but a connection to Gauteng could strengthen its regional network.
Other potential additions include flights to Lusaka in Zambia and Nairobi in Kenya. While Gordon acknowledged that Nairobi is a highly competitive market, it remains an attractive destination for the low-cost carrier.
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Cape Winelands Airport could reshape regional aviation
Closer to home, Gordon also highlighted the future Cape Winelands Airport as an exciting development for South Africa’s aviation sector.
The R8 billion airport, currently under development, is still several years away from opening but is making progress with its environmental approval processes, according to Gordon.
Once operational, the airport could play an important role as an alternative diversion airport for flights destined for Cape Town. Currently, aircraft unable to land in Cape Town may need to divert to airports such as Johannesburg or Durban, requiring them to carry additional reserve fuel for the longer journey.
A diversion airport closer to Cape Town could help reduce operational costs and improve efficiency for airlines, while also generating revenue for the new airport through diversion agreements.
The airport is also expected to serve the rapidly growing Cape Winelands region, further strengthening the Western Cape’s aviation infrastructure.
Expansion remains focused on South Africa
Although FlySafair has regional ambitions, Gordon noted that regulatory limitations mean the airline cannot operate routes entirely between foreign countries. Its international network must include South Africa as either the departure or destination.
He also addressed Harith Aviation’s planned acquisition of FlySafair, which is awaiting approval from the Competition Tribunal and the South African Reserve Bank. Gordon said the transaction is not expected to result in a major cash injection, describing Harith as a long-term value investor focused on supporting the airline’s continued growth.
Looking further ahead, FlySafair is expected to receive Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from 2028. Gordon noted that these aircraft were ordered before the proposed acquisition was announced.
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