South Africa moves to restore direct flights to India, Ramaphosa says

South Africa is negotiating to restore direct air services to India, a move President Cyril Ramaphosa said would strengthen trade, tourism and business links between the two countries.

Announcement at India-South Africa business forum

Ramaphosa confirmed the plans while speaking at the India-South Africa Business Leadership Roundtable in New Delhi, which took place alongside the BRICS Summit. He framed improved air connectivity as a practical step toward turning the growing relationship between the countries into increased trade, tourism and investment.

Why direct flights matter

Direct services would remove the need for travellers to connect through hubs in the Middle East or Europe, shortening long journeys between South Africa and India and supporting corporate travel and business partnerships.

President’s comment

“To turn this potential into practical partnerships, we are keen to restore direct flights between South Africa and India,” he said.

Trade ties underpin the push

The proposed restoration forms part of a wider effort to deepen economic ties. India is now South Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, and more than 150 Indian companies have invested over $10 billion in South Africa, the president said.

Ramaphosa highlighted areas where closer cooperation could help both countries, including pharmaceuticals, health technology, information technology, financial technology and digital public infrastructure, and noted South Africa’s interest in supplying critical minerals for India’s renewable energy, battery and automotive sectors.

Background: when the route was lost

South Africa previously had a direct flight link to India. South African Airways operated a Johannesburg–Mumbai service for 19 years before the route was discontinued from 1 April 2015, when the airline cited poor performance and financial pressures. Since then, travellers have typically had to connect through another international hub.

Next steps

Ramaphosa did not provide a date for when direct services might resume or specify which airlines could operate the route. The restoration remains a government priority linked to broader trade and investment aims.