Air Europa connects Spain and South Africa with new direct flights.
Photo Credit: Tobias Reich via Unsplash
SPAIN is set to be more connected to South Africa than ever: Spanish airline Air Europa is offering direct flights from Spain to South Africa, opening the airways for business and leisure holidays and giving travellers more access to African locations, including Mozambique and Zanzibar.
Air Europa launches a route not seen since 2019
The largest of these new routes is a direct service between Johannesburg, South Africa and Madrid, Spain. Air Europa, the third largest airline in Spain just behind Iberia and Vueling, has been granted the rights to fly three times a week between these two countries. Six weekly flight slots will remain open for other airlines, although Air Europa has first priority if more airlines show interest in the offered routes.
The last time this route was offered was in 2019, by Spanish airline Iberia. Tourism and trade relations between the two countries will benefit enormously from the new connections. Additionally, the new routes are being proposed just at a time when international connection is in high demand, whether for business, cultural, or economic reasons.
Travellers excited to explore beautiful South Africa
The new air routes are born of a high demand for travellers as tourism in Africa soars and business connections are more and more common. This move is especially beneficial for South African holidaymakers and travellers, as flying to Spain typically involves at least a layover in Amsterdam, Dubai, Addis Ababa, or Doha. They will also be able to travel to Portugal, and other desirable European destinations, more easily via these routes. The new proposed routes will offer a hassle-free way to get South African travellers to Spain and vice versa, and potentially strengthen the connection between the two countries when it comes to business.
Travel companies are also expected to jump onboard, offering packages and itineraries for the bustling African and Spanish cities. Increased competition and more business opportunities will also bode well for airlines, as well as all the different companies in the travel sphere.
The company is also emphasising the importance of the cost of the flights, acknowledging that, to incentivise South Africans to visit Spain and vice verse, the flights need to be at a reasonable price.
Though the company believes the routes show great promise and interest to both South Africans and those in Spain, there are still some processes to be completed before the routes can officially begin flying.
African airline Airlink, aiding adventurers
In addition to Air Europa, South African regional airline Airlink is expanding further into Mozambique, in the eastern part of the continent, with a twice-a-week service (on Mondays and Fridays) between Johannesburg and Nacala. Nacala is an important port city for business and African economic affairs, and a direct connection between the two will be vastly important for entrepreneurs and travellers in general. These services are set to begin on February 2, 2026.
When it comes to Airlink, the airline is already operating flights to Maputo, Beira, Nampula, Pemba, Tete, and Vilanculos, and now, Nacala will be added to its repertoire.
As Spain becomes a more desirable destination for travellers all over the world, new direct routes are continuously being added to Spanish hubs like Madrid, capitalising off the incredible tourism, business, and real estate boom the country has experienced in recent months and years.
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