New International Flight Route Announced for South African Travelers
South African Airways (SAA) revealed exciting news for holidaymakers—a brand-new international flight route connecting Cape Town and Mauritius. The route will take off this December.
This will mark the first time that SAA offers a non-stop flight to the tropical island destination, catering to growing demand from Western Cape travelers seeking leisure getaways.
New International Flight Route Details
The service is scheduled to commence on 9 December 2025, with flights operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The outbound journey will depart Cape Town International Airport at 09:25, landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius at 16:30 local time. Return flights will leave Mauritius at 17:20, arriving back in Cape Town by 21:30.
However, travelers should note a temporary schedule adjustment: between mid-January and mid-March 2026, the frequency will drop to two flights per week, to align with lower seasonal demand.
Strategic Expansion for SAA
According to the airline, the launch of this route is part of a broader strategic push to meet rising demand for regional and international leisure travel. The direct connection between Cape Town and Mauritius has been a long-term goal for SAA, signaling a strong commitment to expanding its footprint in high-demand holiday markets.
“Connecting Cape Town with Mauritius is a fascinating achievement that our team has been aspiring towards for quite some time,” SAA said. “The introduction of this route demonstrates SAA’s role in promoting leisure travel across the region and supports the broader tourism objectives for both South Africa and Mauritius.”
Growing Air Travel Options for South Africans
SAA’s new offering is just one of many recent developments in South Africa’s aviation landscape:
| Airline | Route | Start Date | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlySafair | Cape Town – Hoedspruit | 2 October 2025 | 3x/week (Tues, Thurs, Sat) | Improve access to Kruger region |
| Qantas | Johannesburg – Perth | Reopening 2025 | TBD | Better access to Australia and New Zealand |
| Air France | Cape Town – Paris | December 2025 | Daily | Meet increased holiday season demand |
| Cathay Pacific | Johannesburg – Hong Kong | Ongoing | Daily | Strengthen SA–Asia connectivity |
These developments reflect increasing air connectivity for South African travelers, offering both more holiday options and stronger global links.
A Boost for Tourism
With more direct flights and better access to key international destinations, the South African tourism sector is poised to benefit. SAA’s new Cape Town–Mauritius service, in particular, is expected to support the growth of leisure travel between two popular tourist hotspots, potentially driving economic benefits for both regions.
As global travel continues to recover and expand, South Africans can look forward to a broader range of destinations with more convenience and flexibility than ever before.
Related article: ACSA Warns of Flight Delays at OR Tambo International Airport