By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
The recent announcement by United Airlines that it will increase flights to South, and expand its African network by introducing a new long-haul service from Washington Dulles Airport to Cape Town International Airport, was welcomed by Tourism Minster Patricia De Lille.
According to the Department of Tourism spokesperson, Zara Nicholson, the route was launched in November 2022, operating three times a week and has been hugely successful.
Nicholson said the airline will also expand the second African route that links Newark with Johannesburg, which has been operating daily since June 2021. In addition, Nicholson stated that the USA is one of South Africa’s top source markets and the efforts will be pursued in the attempt to grow more arrivals from USA to South Africa.
“ In 2024, arrivals from the USA(United States of America) stood at over 430 000, up by more than 21 000 or 5,2% compared to 2023. A further testament to the impact of direct flights on arrivals is that in 2023, arrivals from USA stood at over 409 000, an increase of more than 111 000 or 37,4% compared to 2022, when direct flights between South Africa and the USA were introduced,” said Nicholson.
Minster De Lille said airlift is a crucial factor for the tourism sector as direct flights make travel between destinations more desirable and is proven to increase tourism arrivals between countries.
“ We welcome this development and announcement by the United Airlines to increase the number of fights between South Africa and the USA as the route has been in high demand and has made travel significantly more seamless between the two countries. We are excited about this development and look forward to the positive impact it will have on arrivals to South Africa,” said Minister De Lille.
