South African Airways Increases Flights to Lagos, Accra, São Paulo, and More Destinations: Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on September 12, 2025

In preparation for the upcoming festive season, South African Airways (SAA) is increasing its flight frequencies on major regional and international routes to meet the growing demand for tourism and travel. Starting October 1, 2025, and continuing through February 11, 2026, the airline will offer additional services to key destinations like Lagos, Accra, and São Paulo, ensuring that travelers can enjoy greater flexibility during this busy travel period.

These changes are aimed at supporting family reunions, business trips, and cultural events such as Detty December, AfroFuture, and the lead-up to the Brazilian Carnival. With SAA’s expanded routes, passengers will have more convenient options to connect to Africa and international tourism destinations, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to boosting tourism across the region.

New Flight Frequencies for Major African and International Routes

South African Airways is adjusting its schedule to accommodate higher travel demand over the holiday season. Some of the new changes include:

• Johannesburg to Lagos (LOS) – Flights will now operate six times a week, with additional departures on Mondays and Tuesdays, starting October 6, 2025. This increase will cater to both leisure travelers and business tourists between South Africa and Nigeria, one of the key markets for African business and tourism.
• Johannesburg to Accra (ACC) – Starting October 1, 2025, flights will increase to six times a week, with new departures on Wednesdays and Fridays. The increased frequency will help cater to tourism and business travelers in Ghana, one of West Africa’s growing travel hubs.
• Johannesburg to São Paulo (GRU) – New flights will be added on Wednesdays and Sundays, starting December 10, 2025. This is a significant development for Brazilian tourism, providing better connections for travelers from South Africa and Africa looking to visit Brazil, a popular destination for culture and events such as Carnival.

These new routes are designed to provide more options for passengers traveling to these vibrant regions, allowing travelers to connect more easily with major tourism hotspots and business opportunities.

Boosting Regional Tourism and Business Travel

The increased flight frequency on these routes is especially beneficial for tourism in both Africa and South America. Cities like Lagos, Accra, and São Paulo are key travel destinations, attracting thousands of tourists each year who come for leisure, business, and cultural events. With South African Airways increasing its flight options, more visitors will have the opportunity to explore these destinations and contribute to tourism growth in these regions.

The increased availability of flights also plays a crucial role in facilitating business tourism, which is vital for the economies of both Africa and South America. By strengthening air links, SAA is helping business travelers easily access key cities for conferences, meetings, and other corporate events, ensuring smooth connectivity across continents.

SAA’s Commitment to Connecting Africa to the World

As part of its expansion strategy, South African Airways continues to prioritize connectivity between Africa and key international tourism markets. By offering more flights to cities like Lagos, Accra, and São Paulo, the airline is improving access to South Africa and other African countries for tourists from North America, Europe, and Asia.

The increase in flight frequencies is also a significant step in making South Africa a more accessible destination for international travelers. Whether visiting the iconic Table Mountain, the Kruger National Park, or the vibrant Cape Town city life, more frequent flights make it easier for tourists to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of the country.

Future Outlook for South African Airways and Tourism Growth

The expansion of services by South African Airways will not only improve the tourism infrastructure of the countries involved but will also boost local economies through increased passenger traffic and tourism-related spending. By ensuring convenient travel options and greater flight availability, SAA is making it easier for tourists to access South Africa and other key regions, stimulating demand for both leisure and business tourism.

Looking ahead, South African Airways is expected to continue its focus on expanding its international reach, increasing its frequency on popular regional routes, and connecting Africa to the world. This global connectivity will remain central to the airline’s long-term growth strategy, enabling it to cater to the increasing demand for international travel and tourism to the African continent.