There’s good news for travellers with an eye on holidays in western Europe – as well as Spanish travellers looking for a dose of African sun – as Air Europa looks to add its first destination in Africa.
But, don’t pack your bags just yet.
Setting up new flights between countries is a laborious process, and it’s not just about an airline deciding that flying from A to B will make for good business. Instead, flight routes between countries are governed by bilateral air traffic agreements between governments; a process recently kick-started to open a brand-new air route between South Africa and Spain.
According to Travel News by TNW, Spain’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has begun the process of allocating rights for airlines to fly between the two countries, with carriers now allowed to operate up to nine flights per week between South Africa and Spain.
In the report by Travel News, Air Europa was granted permission this month to fly up to three flights per week between Spain and South Africa. Not that flights will be taking off anytime too soon, as there is still other regulatory and operational paperwork to be sorted out. It also leaves room for another six weekly flights that could, in theory, be operated by other airlines.
So it’s all on paper for now, but it’s good news for both travellers to Mzansi and locals looking to tap into the more affordable corners of Western Europe. Both Portugal and Spain are hot destinations for Rand-spending South Africans, and this new route could make enjoying a pasteis in Lisbon or a sangria in Madrid all the easier.
Local tourism operators also reported healthy demand from Spanish-speaking markets, especially for South Africa’s safari products. And, of course, who would come on safari without spending time in the Mother City, right?
Who is Air Europa?
If the route comes to pass, it will be the first time Air Europa – which was founded in 1986 and is today Spain’s third-largest airline – will touch down on South African soil. Headquartered in Mallorca, Air Europa’s main hub is Madrid–Barajas, although it also operates in Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife North. Today, Air Europa flies to 54 destinations across 29 countries, with a strong network in Europe, and long-haul links to the Americas and the Caribbean. The airline’s fleet is all-Boeing, and if they eventually fly all the way to Mzansi, we can expect to see their 787 Dreamliners deployed on the route.
And while there’s no word yet on whether the flights will be into Johannesburg or Cape Town it’s already been something of a banner year for airlines into the Mother City.
Virgin Atlantic is stretching its Heathrow season, United is shifting more US capacity to the Mother City, and Air France is extending its Paris service. Qatar is adding frequencies, with Norse returning for an even busier Gatwick season. Regionally, SAA launches a direct Cape Town–Mauritius route for summer, while FlySafair adds Hoedspruit and strengthens Lowveld links. The result: more seats, better connectivity, and friendlier schedules across peak travel times.
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