South African Airways (SAA) has expanded its regional network with the launch of a new direct route.
The route links Cape Town and Mauritius, and officially began operating on 9 December.
The service marks the national carrier’s first-ever nonstop connection between the Western Cape and the Indian Ocean island destination, strengthening travel links between South Africa and Mauritius and catering to growing leisure demand.
SAA touches down in Mauritius
Flights operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The outbound service departs Cape Town at 09:25 and arrives in Mauritius at 16:30, with a flight time of just over five hours.
The return flight leaves Mauritius at 17:20 and lands in Cape Town at 21:30.
SAA said the route will operate twice weekly between mid-January and mid-March 2026 to align with seasonal travel patterns.
“Connecting Cape Town with Mauritius is a fascinating achievement that our team has been aspiring towards for quite some time,” SAA said, adding that the new route supports regional tourism growth and improves travel options for both leisure and business travellers.
More flights this December
The launch comes as several international airlines increase seasonal or long-haul connectivity to and from South Africa.
Qantas resumed its direct Johannesburg–Perth service on 7 December 2025, restoring nonstop links between South Africa and Western Australia, while Air France will reintroduce its seasonal Cape Town–Paris route from mid-December through January.
Together, these additions point to a broader recovery and expansion in South Africa’s international air travel market ahead of the peak holiday season.
