Could ITA Airways Land Back in SA? Rome Johannesburg Route May Return

A once-popular route between Italy and South Africa might soon be back on the map. But why now, and what’s changed since it last flew?

A New Chapter from an Old Story

Rome and Johannesburg may be 8,000 kilometers apart, but their airspace stories have long been intertwined. And now, there’s buzz that they could reconnect again.

ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier and the rebranded successor to Alitalia, is flirting with the idea of reintroducing direct flights between the Italian capital and South Africa. The airline’s CEO, Joerg Eberhart, recently hinted at the move during an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, as part of a broader plan to boost ITA’s long-haul presence from its hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport.

If it happens, this wouldn’t be the first time the route’s been resurrected.

A Flight Path with Baggage

The direct Rome-Johannesburg route first took off in 1991 under Alitalia, but like many long-haul ventures, it’s had a turbulent history. The service was dropped in 2001, returned briefly in 2018, and was grounded again in 2021 amid many pandemic-related disruptions.

At the time, the airline’s local representative , Sabrina Allcock of Discover the World, told the South African press that the route would return “when commercially viable.” Three years on, with borders open and global travel surging back, that moment might finally be approaching.

Why South Africa? Why Now?

According to Eberhart, Italy sees value in strengthening its connections with Africa. He described the South African market as a strong mix of business travel and inbound tourism, both sectors with money to spend. Rome Fiumicino, he argued, has a strategic advantage: its position makes it an ideal launching point not just to Europe, but toward Africa and South America too.

The CEO revealed that ITA plans to grow its fleet of long-haul aircraft to fuel this expansion and create better scheduling “waves” also known as peak connection periods when short-haul European flights feed into long-haul departures. A South African route could help fill out ITA’s midday and evening waves, making the entire network more efficient.

In other words: more flights to SA would make ITA’s whole system run smoother.

What It Could Mean for South Africans

For local travelers, especially businesspeople and tourists with Italian or wider European connections, a direct link to Rome would be a game changer. Currently, flying to Italy often means a layover, either in the Middle East or another European hub like Frankfurt or Paris.

A nonstop flight would not only cut down travel time but potentially reduce costs and increase convenience.

It’s also great news for inbound tourism. Italy remains a top destination for South African honeymooners, foodies, and cultural travelers. A direct route could spark renewed travel interest, especially for younger, post-pandemic explorers craving “slow travel” experiences in the Tuscan countryside or the Amalfi Coast.

Social Reaction and Industry Buzz

On social media, South Africans in the travel and aviation spaces have welcomed the news cautiously. “Make it make sense this time,” one X user posted. “We don’t need another one-season wonder.” Others praised the move, calling it a “smart play” to reconnect with the continent.

Travel agencies are also watching closely. With Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates dominating the Africa-Europe corridor, the return of a European carrier with a direct African link could shake up the game.

Looking Ahead

Eberhart hasn’t confirmed timelines, but in aviation, intent often precedes action. With a growing long-haul fleet and a hunger to compete, ITA’s South Africa return feels more probable than ever.

If this route does return, it’ll mark more than just a flight schedule. It could signify a renewed commitment to global South-North connection. And this time, hopefully, it sticks around for the long haul.

{Source:Tourism Update }

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com