FlySafair, South Africa’s leading low-cost airline, has officially launched its inaugural flight from Cape Town to Windhoek, Namibia. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first regional route for FlySafair from the Mother City, enhancing cross-border travel accessibility and affordability for customers.
To commemorate this occasion, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, joined the FlySafair team and other delegates at Cape Town International Airport on Tuesday, 22 October 2024, for the send-off of the inaugural flight. Minister de Lille emphasized the new route’s importance in promoting regional tourism and fostering economic growth.
“We are extremely excited to have this highly anticipated route operational before the summer holidays at the end of the year. It offers our customers further opportunities to visit loved ones or explore the sights of Namibia and its capital from our doorstep. Expanding into the Windhoek market has been a long-time goal of ours, and with more aircraft availability in Cape Town, we have made this a reality, enhancing connectivity between two popular destinations in Southern Africa,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.
Historically, traveling to Windhoek has been a costly endeavor, with airfares ranging between R5,000 and R9,000. FlySafair is now offering tickets starting from just R1,800*, providing a budget-friendly option for local and foreign travelers to connect with family and friends, conduct business, enjoy Windhoek’s vibrant culture and hospitality, or venture further to Namibia’s breathtaking natural attractions. These include the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world; the Fish River Canyon; the Skeleton Coast with its stunning landscapes; and Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves.
FlySafair’s flights from Cape Town to Windhoek will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, catering to the rising demand for travel on this route. While passenger volumes on this route have not yet fully recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels—currently sitting at 83%—FlySafair’s new service holds significant potential to boost tourism and strengthen travel connections between Namibia and South Africa.
“By offering competitive fares with this expansion of our network, we are contributing to the revitalization of the travel industry in the southern African region. This new route reinforces our commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable flights for everyone. Whether for leisure, business, or family reunions, we aim to make traveling in South Africa and beyond more accessible than ever,” added Gordon.
The introduction of the Cape Town to Windhoek route further expands FlySafair’s network, joining its existing regional destinations, including Harare and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. With this strategic move, FlySafair is set to make a significant impact on regional travel, paving the way for new adventures and opportunities for travelers in southern Africa.