South Africa is set to strengthen its international air links after Turkish Airlines announced plans to increase flights between Türkiye and the country’s two major travel hubs, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The airline will raise its schedule to 20 weekly flights between Istanbul and South Africa from October 2026, adding more options for travellers ahead of the country’s busy summer tourism period.

The expansion comes as South Africa continues efforts to attract more international visitors, improve direct air access and support growth across its tourism industry.

More flight connections are also expected to support business travel, trade links and investment between South Africa and Türkiye.

Turkish Airlines’ decision follows increased demand for travel between the two countries, with South African authorities describing the additional services as a sign of confidence in the country’s tourism market.

Turkish Airlines expands South Africa routes

Turkish Airlines will introduce 10 weekly direct flights between Istanbul and Johannesburg, along with another 10 weekly flights between Istanbul and Cape Town, beginning in October 2026.

The increase will expand the airline’s current schedule of seven weekly flights to each city.

South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the expanded services highlight the importance of stronger air connectivity for the tourism sector.

“It is another vote of confidence in our tourism sector and aligns with our efforts to improve air access through the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan,” De Lille said.

“More flights mean more visitors, more trade, more investment and ultimately more jobs.”

The Department of Tourism said passenger demand on the Türkiye-South Africa route has continued to grow, with arrivals from Türkiye increasing 92% in May 2026 compared with the same month in 2025.

New international routes boost South Africa’s aviation network

The Turkish Airlines announcement comes as several international carriers expand their presence in South Africa.

Spanish airline Air Europa launched its first direct service between Madrid and Johannesburg in June, operating three flights a week.

Brazil’s LATAM Airlines has also introduced three weekly direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town, adding another connection between South America and South Africa.

The route provides more travel options for passengers and businesses linking the two regions.

German airline Lufthansa is also increasing its South African operations, with plans for its largest-ever winter schedule for the 2026/27 season.

From late October 2026, the airline will operate 38 weekly long-haul flights between South Africa and Europe.

South Africa targets tourism growth through stronger air access

The South African government said the new routes support the Cabinet-approved Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan, which focuses on expanding international connections, building airline partnerships and attracting more visitors.

South African Tourism and Turkish Airlines will also work together on a destination marketing campaign to encourage more travellers to visit South Africa and strengthen awareness of the country’s tourism offering.

South Africa welcomed 4.8 million international visitors between January and May 2026, a 12.8% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.

The latest airline expansions are expected to help the country maintain growth in tourism while creating more opportunities for hotels, airlines, transport providers and local businesses.