Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has welcomed the recent announcement by United Airlines to expand its flight operations to South Africa, a move expected to further boost travel and tourism between the United States and South Africa.
United Airlines will expand its African network by increasing services on its popular Washington Dulles to Cape Town route, first launched in November 2022 and operating three times weekly. The route has proven to be a success, prompting the airline to enhance its long-haul services. Additionally, United’s daily flight from Newark to Johannesburg, introduced in June 2021, is also set for further expansion.
In 2024 alone, arrivals from the United States reached over 430,000, reflecting a 5.2% year-on-year increase. The numbers for 2023 were equally impressive, with over 409,000 visitors — a 37.4% rise from 2022, the year direct flights resumed.
“We welcome this development and announcement by United Airlines to increase the number of flights between South Africa and the USA. Airlift is a crucial factor for the tourism sector as direct flights make travel between destinations more desirable,” said Minister de Lille.
De Lille highlighted that direct connectivity is key to attracting international visitors, improving accessibility, and supporting the growth of the tourism economy. With the USA ranking among South Africa’s top tourism source markets, the expansion of flight routes is seen as a strategic opportunity to drive further growth.
“We look forward to the positive impact this will have on arrivals to South Africa,” added the Minister.
The Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to growing tourist numbers from key markets like the US, noting that consistent air access is a catalyst for economic and cultural exchange.
