Delta To Launch Non-Stop Flights To South Africa From Atlanta

Good news for travelers looking to explore the beauty and cultural richness of South Africa. Delta Air Lines announced last week it will launch its triangular route from Atlanta to Johannesburg and Cape Town. As Business reported, this seasonal triangular route will provide direct non-stop service. They will start to operate in December.

The Atlanta-headquartered carrier’s expansion into South Africa is part of its bid to capitalize on the explosion of American tourists heading to this African nation, reports Business Insider.

“As demand for travel increases, we’ll be offering our largest-ever schedule between South Africa and the US this summer,” said Jimmy Eichelgruen, Delta’s director of sales for Africa, Middle East and India.

Delta first requested Cape Town to be included in its triangular route back in 2020 and again in 2021. The US blamed the South African government for the delays.

Both countries approved this triangular route in April 2022. This route is only for international travel. It means that passengers cannot fly from Johannesburg to Cape Town without traveling to or from the US.

Flights will operate four times a week, departing Atlanta on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. With this announcement, Delta and United formed the two US major airlines that will offer three weekly non-stop direct flights to South Africa.

In July, United Airlines announced new direct flights between Washington Dulles Airport and Cape Town. The Chicago-based airline company becomes the first US carrier to provide nonstop roundtrip service from Washington to South Africa’s legislative capital. Those flying from Cape Town will be able to connect to 55 cities in the United States.

The airline will operate three weekly direct flights, which will start on November 17, 2022.  According to United Airlines, tickets are on sale now. Passengers can purchase tickets online or through the company’s app.