Flights to South Africa

Flights to South Africa

South Africa has a total of 20 airports, 3 of which handle intercontinental flights, 4 of these airports handle international flights. With domestic flights available at every airport, traveling by plane offers a fast and efficient way to explore the country. 16 of these airports exclusively serve domestic flights. All airports in South Africa together handle 17,549 flights this month, departing from 84 airports in 42 countries, operated by 49 different airlines — including 3 low-cost carriers. You can fly to South Africa in Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class.

FlightConnections provides all the information you need to plan your flight to South Africa. Airports, destinations, routes and schedules are all clearly displayed on our interactive flight map. If you prefer a list view, the sections below with available departure and arrival airports might be useful. Looking to see which countries offer direct connections? You'll find that information further down, along with all airlines flying to South Africa.

For a more comfortable journey, explore the Business Class and First Class sections on this page. You can also use the Class filter to choose your cabin class and see routes clearly displayed on the flight map. If you'd like to travel with an alliance, you can do so with SkyTeam, Star Alliance or Oneworld. Simply use the Alliance filter to display their specific routes on the map.

Destinations in South Africa

Explore South Africa!

Discover all 20 destinations in South Africa. The most popular airports are in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Collectively, the top 3 airports in these cities handle over 81% of all arriving flights this month.

Below is the full list of destinations in South Africa, ranked by popularity based on the number of flights each airport handles. If you're interested in flying to any of these destinations, simply click it to view all routes, airlines, and flight schedules.

Airlines flying to South Africa

When planning your trip to South Africa, you have several airline options to consider. A total of 49 airlines offer direct flights to the country — including 3 low-cost carriers. Major airlines include Airlink and Safair. Together they operate more than half (63%) of all scheduled flights in April.

Below is an overview of the airlines that offer their services, ranked by popularity. If you are mainly interested in low-cost carriers, check out the next section a little further down this page.

Low-cost carriers flying to South Africa

To find cheap airfare, consider flights operated by one of the airlines listed below when planning your trip. At the moment, there are 3 budget airlines to choose from. If you're looking for affordable flights, Fastjet provides the widest range of route options. They serve 82% of all flights operated by a low-cost airline (to a total of 2 destinations located throughout South Africa).

What is the best time to visit South Africa?

The best time to visit South Africa depends on the destination you want to visit. Because South Africa has destinations with multiple climate types (5 in total), the ideal time to visit will differ per region. However, considering most destinations and their weather, the best time to explore South Africa as a whole is from March to November, from the beginning of fall to late spring. In the sections below, you can find the ideal visiting time for each specific destination. We've categorized them by climate type to help you plan your trip and to visit South Africa at the best time of the year!

☀️  Hot Mediterranean destinations

The Mediterranean regions of South Africa are cherished for their warm, dry summers, where temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F). In some inland areas, temperatures can rise even higher, sometimes reaching 40°C (104°F) or more while their mild winters see a bit of rain. This delightful climate, combined with beautiful landscapes and sun-filled lifestyle attract visitors from around the globe.

South Africa has 8 Hot Mediterranean destinations that you can fly to. The destinations listed below are attractive to visit all year round, but they are best visited in spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) when temperatures are pleasantly warm, especially since summers can get very hot in these regions.

🌺 💦  Humid Subtropical destinations

The Humid Subtropical or Warm Temperate destinations in South Africa have hot, humid summers — with temperatures around 30°C (86°F) — and mild to cool winters, with year-round rainfall that often peaks during the summer months. These places are known for their lively cities, diverse natural landscapes, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

South Africa has 7 Warm Temperate / Humid Subtropical destinations that you can fly to. Although those destinations can be visited throughout the year, it is recommended to visit from April to June, or from August to October.

🌊 🌧️  Oceanic / Maritime destinations

Oceanic destinations in South Africa have mild summer temperatures, typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), while winters are pleasantly cool without being freezing. You can enjoy beautiful green surroundings, a variety of flora and fauna, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Ideally suited for anyone who enjoys the temperate weather.

At the moment there are 3 oceanic / maritime destinations accessible by plane. These destinations are best to visit in the summer months from November to February. During this period, temperatures are pleasant to warm, while precipitation often falls in autumn and winter, from March to August.

🌺  Subtropical destinations

The subtropical destinations in South Africa are known for their year-round warmth — with temperatures that often exceed 30°C (86°F). Destinations are characterized by vibrant cities, diverse ecosystems, and outdoor activities. Whether it's relaxing by the water, exploring lush forests, or enjoying urban culture, subtropical regions provide a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and leisure.

There is one subtropical destination in South Africa at the moment accessible by plane. This destination can be visited all year round but is best to visit in the dry season from late March to May or from August to early November. During this period, temperatures are still pleasant because of the warm and long summer while precipitation is limited as the wet season is over.

🏜️  Desert destinations

Typically, desert locations in South Africa experience hot days with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) and cooler nights. With minimal rainfall, these areas are known for their extreme weather, breathtaking views, and the cultural traditions of the people who live there. Even with the tough living conditions, they offer a remarkable combination of adventure, peace, and stunning beauty, making them fascinating spots to discover.

South Africa currently has one desert destination that can be reached by plane. This destination is attractive to visit all year round, but it is best to avoid the summer months as it can get extremely hot. That's why it is best to visit these destinations from March to November.

Countries with direct flights to South Africa

From which countries can you fly non-stop?

Below is a list of all 41 countries that have non-stop flights to South Africa, including the number of airports that offer those flights:

Airports with direct flights to South Africa

This section is ideal for finding the best airport to start your trip to South Africa. All airports with direct flights are listed below, ranked by popularity. Currently, 64 airports across 41 countries and 6 continents offer direct flights to 20 airports in South Africa.

Flying First Class to South Africa

Which airports offer First Class flights?

If you're looking for a luxurious flight, you can choose to depart from a total of 7 airports (located in 6 different countries), and arrive at one of 3 First Class airports in South Africa : Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban Airport. Discover below all airports that have First Class options:

Departure airports with First Class flights

First Class airports in South Africa

Flying Business Class to South Africa

Where can you fly to in Business Class?

In total, there are 54 airports across 39 countries that provide business class flights to South Africa. As of today, you can arrive at 4 airports in Business Class. (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or Port Elizabeth Airport).

Departure airports with Business Class flights

Business Class airports in South Africa

Domestic flights across South Africa

With a total of 80 domestic routes, there are many flights within South Africa that make it easy to travel around the country.

Safair and Airlink together operate more than half (71%) of all domestic flights in South Africa, a total of 9,152 flights this month. The list below provides you with a lot more information, from interesting statistics to an overview of all domestic routes.

International flights from Africa to South Africa

There are 43 cities spread across 26 countries in Africa that offer international flights to South Africa. Those cities offer direct flights to one of 4 airports in the country. As of today, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Mozambique have the best direct connections to South Africa from Africa.

Johannesburg is the most popular airport for international travelers from Africa with 3,070 flights in April, representing 85% of all flights arriving from Africa. The majority of those flights are operated by 4 airlines: Airlink, South African Airways, Fastjet and Ethiopian Airlines.

In the following sections we provide detailed information on the available routes from every country with non-stop flights and (if available) stopover flights:

Flights from Zimbabwe to South Africa

You can fly non-stop from 3 airports in Zimbabwe, and arrive at 4 different destinations in South Africa. In total there are 7 direct routes from Zimbabwe, operated by 9 different airlines — including Fastjet, which is usually the most budget-friendly.

Zimbabwe to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 2 airports in Zimbabwe offer flights to 4 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Flights from Botswana to South Africa

You can fly non-stop from 3 airports in Botswana, and arrive at 2 different destinations in South Africa. In total there are 5 direct routes from Botswana, operated by 4 different airlines — none of which are low-cost airlines.

Botswana to South Africa with a stopover

There is another departure option available if you consider a stopover: Francistown Airport offers 1-stop flights to 2 destinations in South Africa:

Flights from Namibia to South Africa

From Namibia you can fly non-stop from 2 airports, and arrive at 2 different destinations in South Africa. In total there are 4 direct routes from Namibia, operated by 3 different airlines — none of which are low-cost airlines.

Namibia to South Africa with a stopover

There is another departure option available if you consider a stopover: Katima Mulilo Airport offers 1-stop flights to 2 destinations in South Africa:

Flights from Zambia to South Africa

You can fly non-stop from 3 airports in Zambia, and visit any of the 3 destinations in South Africa. In total there are 5 direct routes from Zambia, operated by 5 different airlines — none of which are low-cost airlines.

Zambia to South Africa with a stopover

If you consider a stopover, then there are more airports available: 7 airports in Zambia offer flights to 3 destinations in South Africa that require just one stop:

Flights from Mozambique to South Africa

You can fly non-stop from 7 airports in Mozambique, and arrive at 4 different destinations in South Africa. In total there are 10 direct routes from Mozambique, operated by 5 different airlines — none of which are low-cost airlines.

Mozambique to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 4 airports in Mozambique offer flights to 4 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Flights from Ethiopia to South Africa

From Ethiopia you can fly non-stop from Addis Ababa Airport, and arrive at 2 different destinations in South Africa. In total there are 2 direct routes from Ethiopia, operated by Ethiopian Airlines.

Ethiopia to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 26 airports in Ethiopia offer flights to 2 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Flights from Kenya to South Africa

From Kenya you can fly non-stop from Nairobi Airport, and arrive at 2 different destinations in South Africa. In total there are 2 direct routes from Kenya, operated by 2 different airlines — Kenya Airways and Airlink.

Kenya to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 8 airports in Kenya offer flights to 2 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Flights from Swaziland to South Africa

From Swaziland you can fly non-stop from Manzini Airport, and visit any of the 3 destinations in South Africa. In total there are 3 direct routes from Swaziland, operated by 2 different airlines — Eswatini Air and Airlink.

Flights from Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa

From Democratic Republic of the Congo you can fly non-stop from 2 airports, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. In total there are 2 direct routes from Democratic Republic of the Congo, operated by 5 different airlines — none of which are low-cost airlines.

Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa with a stopover

If you consider a stopover, then there are more airports available: 9 airports in Democratic Republic of the Congo offer flights to 2 destinations in South Africa that require just one stop:

Flights from Mauritius to South Africa

From Mauritius you can fly non-stop from Mauritius Airport, and arrive at 2 different destinations in South Africa. In total there are 2 direct routes from Mauritius, operated by 3 different airlines — none of which are low-cost airlines.

Mauritius to South Africa with a stopover

There is another departure option available if you consider a stopover: Rodrigues Island Airport offers 1-stop flights to 2 destinations in South Africa:

Flights from Angola to South Africa

From Angola you can fly non-stop from Luanda Airport, and arrive at 2 different destinations in South Africa. In total there are 2 direct routes from Angola, operated by 2 different airlines — TAAG Angola and Airlink.

Angola to South Africa with a stopover

If you consider a stopover, then there are more airports available: 13 airports in Angola offer flights to 2 destinations in South Africa that require just one stop:

Flights from Malawi to South Africa

From Malawi you can fly non-stop from 2 airports, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. In total there are 2 direct routes from Malawi, operated by 2 different airlines — Airlink and Ethiopian Airlines.

Flights from Lesotho to South Africa

From Lesotho you can fly non-stop from Maseru Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Lesotho to South Africa, operated by Airlink.

Flights from Tanzania to South Africa

From Tanzania you can fly non-stop from 2 airports, and arrive at 2 different destinations in South Africa. In total there are 3 direct routes from Tanzania, operated by 4 different airlines — none of which are low-cost airlines.

Tanzania to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 16 airports in Tanzania offer flights to 2 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Flights from Rwanda to South Africa

From Rwanda you can fly non-stop from Kigali Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Rwanda to South Africa, operated by RwandAir.

Rwanda to South Africa with a stopover

There is another option available if you consider a stopover flight: Cyangugu Airport offers a 1-stop flight to Johannesburg:

Flights from Madagascar to South Africa

From Madagascar you can fly non-stop from 2 airports, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. In total there are 2 direct routes from Madagascar, operated by Airlink.

Madagascar to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 9 airports in Madagascar offer flights to Johannesburg Airport with a single stop:

Flights from Uganda to South Africa

From Uganda you can fly non-stop from Entebbe Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Uganda to South Africa, operated by Uganda Airlines.

Uganda to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 4 airports in Uganda offer flights to Johannesburg Airport with a single stop:

Flights from Ghana to South Africa

From Ghana you can fly non-stop from Accra Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Ghana to South Africa, operated by South African Airways.

Ghana to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 5 airports in Ghana offer flights to Johannesburg Airport with a single stop:

Flights from Nigeria to South Africa

From Nigeria you can fly non-stop from Lagos Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Nigeria to South Africa, operated by South African Airways.

Nigeria to South Africa with a stopover

If you consider a stopover, then there are more airports available: 17 airports in Nigeria offer flights to 2 destinations in South Africa that require just one stop:

Flights from Gabon to South Africa

From Gabon you can fly non-stop from Libreville Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Gabon to South Africa, operated by 2 different airlines — ASKY Airlines and Afrijet.

Gabon to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 4 airports in Gabon offer flights to Johannesburg Airport with a single stop:

Flights from Egypt to South Africa

From Egypt you can fly non-stop from Cairo Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Egypt to South Africa, operated by Egyptair.

Egypt to South Africa with a stopover

If you consider a stopover, then there are more airports available: 11 airports in Egypt offer flights to 3 destinations in South Africa that require just one stop:

Flights from Algeria to South Africa

From Algeria you can fly non-stop from Algiers Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Algeria to South Africa, operated by Air Algerie.

Algeria to South Africa with a stopover

If you consider a stopover, then there are more airports available: 31 airports in Algeria offer flights to 2 destinations in South Africa that require just one stop:

Flights from Seychelles to South Africa

From Seychelles you can fly non-stop from Mahé Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Seychelles to South Africa, operated by Air Seychelles.

Seychelles to South Africa with a stopover

There is another option available if you consider a stopover flight: Praslin Island Airport offers a 1-stop flight to Johannesburg:

Flights from Réunion to South Africa

From Réunion you can fly non-stop from Saint-Denis Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Réunion to South Africa, operated by Air Austral.

Flights from St. Helena to South Africa

From St. Helena you can fly non-stop from Jamestown Airport, and arrive at 2 different destinations in South Africa. In total there are 2 direct routes from St. Helena, operated by Airlink.

Flights from Republic of the Congo to South Africa

From Republic of the Congo you can fly non-stop from Brazzaville Airport, and arrive at the only destination in South Africa: Johannesburg. This is the only non-stop flight route from Republic of the Congo to South Africa, operated by Afrijet.

Republic of the Congo to South Africa with a stopover

There is another departure option available if you consider a stopover: Pointe-Noire Airport offers 1-stop flights to 2 destinations in South Africa:

Intercontinental flights to South Africa

All continents have direct flights to South Africa. A total of 15 different countries across Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and South America offer flights to the country. With 34 direct flight routes, connecting 21 intercontinental airports to 3 destinations, South Africa is well-connected to various parts of the world. 22 different airlines (of which 2 are low-cost) are operating these long-haul flights.

Countries outside Africa with excellent flight connections to South Africa include: United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Germany, United States and Netherlands.

All intercontinental flights can be found below — arranged by continent, country and departure airport.

Non-stop flights from Europe to South Africa

From Europe, 6 countries have direct flights to South Africa. 14 non-stop routes are available, operated by 10 airlines — 2 of which are low-cost carriers.

Flights from United Kingdom to South Africa

If you'd like to fly non-stop from United Kingdom you can do so from 2 airports. You will arrive at one of 2 destinations. Flights are operated by 3 airlines — including Norse UK, the only low-cost carrier on these routes.

United Kingdom to South Africa with a stopover

If a stopover works for you, it will provide you with more departure options to reach South Africa, as 25 departure airports in United Kingdom offer 1-stop flights to 3 destinations in South Africa:

Flights from Germany to South Africa

If you'd like to fly non-stop from Germany you can do so from 2 airports. You will arrive at one of 2 destinations. Flights are operated by 2 airlines — including Condor, the only low-cost carrier on these routes.

Germany to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 16 airports in Germany offer flights to 3 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Flights from Netherlands to South Africa

Looking to fly directly from Netherlands? This is possible from Amsterdam only. You will arrive at one of 2 destinations. Flights are operated by KLM.

Netherlands to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 2 airports in Netherlands offer flights to Johannesburg Airport with a single stop:

Flights from Switzerland to South Africa

Looking to fly directly from Switzerland? This is possible from Zürich only. You will arrive at one of 2 destinations. Flights are operated by 2 airlines — Edelweiss Air and Swiss, neither of which are low-cost carriers.

Switzerland to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 2 airports in Switzerland offer flights to 3 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Flights from France to South Africa

Looking to fly directly from France? This is possible from Paris only. You will arrive at one of 2 destinations. Flights are operated by Air France.

France to South Africa with a stopover

If a stopover works for you, it will provide you with more departure options to reach South Africa, as 25 departure airports in France offer 1-stop flights to 3 destinations in South Africa:

Flights from Spain to South Africa

Looking to fly directly from Spain? This is possible from Madrid only. You will arrive at Johannesburg — currently the only direct route connecting South Africa and Spain. Flights are operated by Air Europa.

Spain to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 34 airports in Spain offer flights to 3 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Non-stop flights from Asia to South Africa

From Asia, 6 countries have direct flights to South Africa. 11 non-stop routes are available, operated by 7 airlines — none of which are low-cost carriers.

Flights from United Arab Emirates to South Africa

If you'd like to fly non-stop from United Arab Emirates you can do so from 2 airports. You will arrive at one of 3 destinations. Flights are operated by 2 airlines — Emirates and Etihad Airways, neither of which are low-cost carriers.

United Arab Emirates to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 4 airports in United Arab Emirates offer flights to 2 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Flights from Qatar to South Africa

Looking to fly directly from Qatar? This is possible from Doha only. You will arrive at one of 2 destinations. Flights are operated by Qatar Airways.

Flights from Turkey to South Africa

Looking to fly directly from Turkey? This is possible from Istanbul only. You will arrive at one of 2 destinations. Flights are operated by Turkish Airlines.

Turkey to South Africa with a stopover

If a stopover works for you, it will provide you with more departure options to reach South Africa, as 45 departure airports in Turkey offer 1-stop flights to 3 destinations in South Africa:

Flights from Singapore to South Africa

Looking to fly directly from Singapore? This is possible from Singapore only. You will arrive at Johannesburg — currently the only direct route connecting South Africa and Singapore. Flights are operated by Singapore Airlines.

Flights from Hong Kong to South Africa

Looking to fly directly from Hong Kong? This is possible from Hong Kong only. You will arrive at Johannesburg — currently the only direct route connecting South Africa and Hong Kong. Flights are operated by Cathay Pacific.

Flights from China to South Africa

Looking to fly directly from China? This is possible from Shenzhen only. You will arrive at Johannesburg — currently the only direct route connecting South Africa and China. Flights are operated by Air China.

China to South Africa with a stopover

If a stopover works for you, it will provide you with more departure options to reach South Africa, as 117 departure airports in China offer 1-stop flights to 3 destinations in South Africa:

Non-stop flights from North America to South Africa

From North America you can only depart from United States for a direct flight to South Africa. 5 non-stop routes are available, operated by 2 airlines — none of which are low-cost carriers.

Flights from United States to South Africa

There are 3 airports in United States that have direct flights to South Africa. You will arrive at one of 2 destinations. Flights are operated by 2 airlines — Delta and United Airlines, neither of which are low-cost carriers.

United States to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 174 airports in United States offer flights to 3 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Non-stop flights from Oceania to South Africa

From Oceania you can only depart from Australia for a direct flight to South Africa. 2 non-stop routes are available, operated by 2 airlines — none of which are low-cost carriers.

Flights from Australia to South Africa

If you'd like to fly non-stop from Australia you can do so from 2 airports. You will arrive at Johannesburg Airport, the only destination for direct flights out of Australia. Flights are operated by 2 airlines — Qantas and South African Airways, neither of which are low-cost carriers.

Australia to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 62 airports in Australia offer flights to 3 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Non-stop flights from South America to South Africa

From South America you can only depart from Brazil for a direct flight to South Africa. 2 non-stop routes are available, operated by 2 airlines — none of which are low-cost carriers.

Flights from Brazil to South Africa

Looking to fly directly from Brazil? This is possible from São Paulo only. You will arrive at one of 2 destinations. Flights are operated by 2 airlines — LATAM and South African Airways, neither of which are low-cost carriers.

Brazil to South Africa with a stopover

There are more departure airports available if you consider a stopover: 58 airports in Brazil offer flights to 3 destinations in South Africa with a single stop:

Most popular routes to South Africa

Whether you're looking to explore the scenic landscapes, charming towns and vibrant cities of South Africa, visit friends and family or simply need to attend a business meeting — we've got you covered. Check out the list below to find the most popular non-stop flights available for your journey.

Popular routes to South Africa with a stopover

If there is no airport near you offering direct flights to South Africa, don't worry — you can still reach the country with a brief stopover along the way.

Below is a list of the most popular routes that require a stopover.

To see all 1- or 2-stop flight options, simply use the "Show indirect destinations" button on the map, or use the search bar to select your departure airport and discover all available routes from there to South Africa!

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ