Direct flights from Brussels Airport to South Africa are possible from today, September 14, 2022. Air Belgium starts its African adventure with two rotations per week from Zaventem to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Additionally, it will go to 38 African destinations.
It has been almost twenty years since there was a direct flight from Belgium to South Africa. This evening, 14 September, Air Belgium will launch its first flight between Brussels airport and Cape Town, with a one-hour stopover in Johannesburg.
Today, 60,000 people travel from Brussels to South Africa, and always with a stopover. Air Belgium estimates that this number could increase to 80,000 passengers per year with the new direct link.
"South Africa is a very important market that has been neglected by Belgium for almost 30 years without any direct air service", said CEO Niky Terzakis. "Belgium is South Africa's sixth largest economic partner. 188 Belgian companies are based there and many Belgians live, work or have second homes there," he added.
Cape Town, one of the two destinations reachable twice a week. Photo by Marlin Clark on Unsplash
The boss admitted that profitability will not be achieved this year. Two factors are weighing on the company's profitability at the moment: the price of fuel on the one hand and the weak euro on the other.
However, the airline's Airbus A330neo aircraft that will fly to South Africa will consume 25% less fuel and are much quieter than the previous generation.
Beyond South Africa
Air Belgium has signed up with Air Link, the largest South African airline. "Air Belgium will now not only offer tickets to Johannesburg and Cape Town, but also to no less than 38 destinations on the African continent via Air Link's extensive network. 16 domestic destinations and 22 destinations to eleven other countries on the continent," says Air Belgium.
"For example, we will have the fastest connection to Lubumbashi (D.R. Congo)", points out Terzakis. This is a first for AirBelgium. Other African countries that will be accessible with Air Belgium include Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho and Madagascar.
The airline is also looking for partners in Northern Europe to sell journeys from other European airports with a transit through Zaventem or to attract South African travellers to European destinations via Zaventem.
