Getting to South Africa is becoming even easier, with two major developments strengthening the country’s international air links.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Lukas Souza/Unsplash
Last week saw the arrival of a brand-new direct route between Brazil and Cape Town, while Emirates expanded its Cape Town schedule with an additional daily service from Dubai—moves expected to benefit both travellers and the tourism industry.
LATAM launches direct Brazil-Cape Town route
Chilean carrier LATAM Airlines has officially launched a direct service between São Paulo and Cape Town, with its inaugural flight landing at Cape Town International Airport on Friday.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille welcomed the new route, describing it as a significant step in strengthening tourism, trade and investment ties between South Africa and South America.
According to De Lille, the new connection supports government’s broader strategy to improve international air access through its Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan.
“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,” she said.
The new route arrives as travel between South Africa and Brazil continues to grow. Brazilian visitor numbers increased by more than 40% in May 2026 compared with the same month last year, making South America one of the country’s fastest-growing source markets.
The growth follows a tourism cooperation agreement signed earlier this year between South Africa and Brazil, which includes support for improved air connectivity and joint destination marketing initiatives.
South African Tourism is also partnering with LATAM to promote South Africa to Brazilian travel trade partners.
Emirates adds a third daily Cape Town flight
Cape Town has also welcomed increased capacity from Emirates, which has introduced a third daily service between Dubai and the Mother City.
The new flight offers both passenger and cargo capacity, increasing the number of available seats while strengthening links between South Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
The Portfolio Committee on Tourism said the additional service will make South Africa more accessible to international visitors, investors and the South African diaspora.
Committee chairperson Ronalda Nalumango said the expansion comes at an important time for the tourism sector.
“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.
Beyond tourism, the added cargo capacity is expected to support exports of fresh produce, seafood, flowers and other South African goods to international markets.
Why it matters for travellers
The two announcements mark another positive step for South Africa’s aviation recovery and growing global connectivity.
For travellers, increased flight options generally mean:
- More direct routes and greater convenience.
- Increased seat availability during peak travel periods.
- Better connections from key international markets.
- Greater competition, which can help improve fares over time.
As airlines continue expanding their South African networks, reaching destinations like Cape Town is becoming increasingly accessible for visitors from South America, the Middle East and beyond.
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