South Africa Welcomes Three New International Routes: Spain, Mozambique, and Zanzibar on the Horizon

South Africa Takes Off: Three New Flight Routes Strengthen Global Travel Links

South Africa’s skies are about to get busier and a lot more exciting. From 2026, travellers will have easier access to Spain, Mozambique, and Zanzibar, thanks to three new direct flight routes announced by major airlines.

The new connections mark another leap forward for South Africa’s aviation industry, which continues to rebound with strong travel demand, tourism growth, and tighter business links across Africa and Europe.

Air Europa Brings Spain Closer Than Ever

If you’ve ever groaned at the thought of layovers in Amsterdam or Doha en route to Madrid or Barcelona, there’s good news ahead. Spanish carrier Air Europa has been granted rights to operate direct flights between South Africa and Spain three times a week a first for the route.

While the exact launch date is still pending regulatory processes, the move signals a long-awaited bridge between southern Africa and southern Europe.

Travel specialist Carla Vickers says the route could open fresh possibilities not only for leisure travellers but also for trade and business. “A direct flight to Spain means shorter travel times, fewer stopovers, and better connections onward to Portugal and the rest of Europe,” she said.

Still, she warns that affordable pricing will make or break the route’s success. “South African travellers are value-driven, they compare routes and fares carefully. If the price is right, this could become a game-changer.”

On social media, excitement is already brewing. Frequent travellers have hailed the route as a “long-overdue link,” while others hope it will “make European getaways more accessible without the Dubai detour.”

Airlink Expands Its African Reach with Mozambique and Zanzibar

Closer to home, regional powerhouse Airlink is broadening its wings. The airline will launch a new twice-weekly route between Johannesburg and Nacala, Mozambique, beginning 2 February 2026.

Nacala is a strategic port city in northern Mozambique, and the connection is expected to strengthen both tourism and trade. The flights will run on Mondays and Fridays, departing mid-morning from Johannesburg and returning in the afternoon perfectly timed for both business trips and weekend escapes.

Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the route supports “regional economic growth by improving access to a city with rising commercial and tourism importance.”

The airline’s trusted Embraer regional jets will operate the service quieter, fuel-efficient aircraft ideal for short international hops.

And that’s not all. Airlink will also open a new leisure route to Zanzibar in June 2026, using its newest fleet addition, the Embraer E195-E2 a next-generation jet known for its eco-friendly performance and extra cabin comfort. Tickets for the Zanzibar route are already on sale.

For South Africans dreaming of turquoise waters and island sunsets, this route is a welcome addition to the country’s growing list of direct leisure destinations.

Europe Extends Its Stay in the South African Sun

Meanwhile, South Africa’s tourism magnetism continues to shine brightly in Europe. German carrier Condor has extended its Frankfurt–Cape Town service beyond its usual April schedule, running all the way to 22 May 2026.

The extension comes in response to strong demand from European travellers seeking “late-summer sunshine” while spring still lingers back home.

This mirrors a wider trend: European airlines are increasingly stretching their southern routes to accommodate flexible travel schedules, proof that South Africa’s combination of mild weather, wine country, and wildlife is irresistible beyond the typical tourist season.

A New Era for South African Aviation

From city skylines to island beaches, these new routes represent more than convenience, they signal confidence in South Africa’s position as a regional travel hub.

Whether you’re a business traveller heading to Nacala, a honeymooner chasing sunsets in Zanzibar, or a culture lover exploring Spain, the message is clear: South Africa’s connectivity is taking flight again and this time, it’s direct.

{Source: BusinessTech}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com