SAA expands route network with permanent Gqeberha flights

Friday, March 8, 2024

South African Airways (SAA) made a comeback with its flights connecting Johannesburg and Gqeberha in the latter part of the previous year, indicating that this service would be seasonal, with an end date of 31 March 2024. The limitation in offering this route on a long-term basis was attributed to SAA’s shortage of aircraft.

However, in a positive turn of events, SAA has declared its seasonal service to Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth, will now become a fixed feature in its expanding network of routes. This ensures that passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy SAA’s full-service flights between Johannesburg and Gqeberha beyond the initially planned end date.

SAA provides a schedule of two daily flights connecting Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport with the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha, operating every day of the week.

To accommodate its expansion, SAA entered into a wet-lease agreement last year for two Boeing 737-800s from Sun Express. This strategic move allowed SAA to broaden its schedule and network of routes without the immediate need to acquire new aircraft on its own. The lease was set to conclude by the end of March, coinciding with the return of the leased aircraft to Europe for the summer season there.

SAA’s decision to make the Gqeberha flights a permanent offering reflects the airline’s dedication to widening its network and services. This extension is welcomed news for SAA’s domestic clientele, who will continue to have access to flights to and from Gqeberha. Moreover, SAA has introduced promotional fares for this particular route, further enhancing its appeal.

Additionally, SAA is preparing to resume flights to another intercontinental destination, marking a significant step since it reemerged from business rescue proceedings in 2021. The airline is set to reintroduce its popular direct flights between Johannesburg and Perth, starting on 28 April, further indicating its recovery and growth.

« Back to Page

• Explore how different airplanes shaping worldwide travel  

• Strong international and domestic travel demand raises ANA Holding profits

• Learn everything about new US Airlines rules regarding refund

• Emirates introduces new flights to London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne

• A small aircraft plane crashes into an Alaskan river