As part of its recovery strategy, South African Airways (SAA) is exploring the reinstatement of direct flights between India and South Africa. SAA, along with Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, on December 3, 2024, participated in a high-level delegation to India to strengthen aviation and tourism ties between the two nations. 

The absence of direct air connectivity between India and South Africa has long hindered increased passenger traffic. South African Airways operated direct flights between Johannesburg and Mumbai for 19 years before suspending the route in April 2015. Jet Airways, once the second-largest Indian private airline and now defunct, also serviced this route for a time but halted its flights in June 2012. Furthermore, SAA's interest in reestablishing its India route reflects a broader strategy to capture a share of India's rapidly growing outbound travel market, projected to rise from $18.82 billion in 2024 to $55.39 billion by 2034.  

In 2019, India was among South Africa’s top 10 source markets, contributing over 95,000 arrivals. Although this figure fell to 79,700 in 2023 due to global disruptions, India remains a vital market for South Africa, especially as the country strives to achieve its goal of 15 million international arrivals annually by 2030. From January to September 2024, South Africa welcomed over 57,900 visitors from India, representing 3.9% of total international arrivals. However, a slight 4% decline in recent months highlights the urgency of addressing connectivity and other travel obstacles.  

During her visit, Minister de Lille also engaged with key Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, to promote direct flights between the two countries.  

The lack of direct flights has been a long-standing issue, particularly considering the extensive trade relationship between the two nations, valued at over $18.8 billion annually. Enhanced air connectivity would facilitate smoother passenger travel and streamline trade operations, reinforcing South Africa’s role as a gateway for Indian businesses entering Africa.  

"Partnerships and collaborations are central to all we do as South Africa’s tourism sector. The importance of our partners in India who bring South Africa closer to the hearts of Indian travelers cannot be overstated and we are here to strengthen those partnerships and take our work to the next level," Minister de Lille said.

"India has a population of 1.4 billion that is bolstered by the rapid growth of India's economy. India is set to become the fifth largest in 2024 and is projected to reach $7 trillion as the third largest economy by 2030. 15 markets along with India drive tourism to South Africa. These 15 markets make up 89% of arrivals and we look forward to welcoming more visitors from India," Minister de Lille concluded.