Direct flights between South Africa and India could be a step closer to returning with Air India applying for a Foreign Operator Permit to operate services between the two countries.
Department of Transport National Spokesperson Collen Msibi confirmed to Travel News that Air India has been designated to operate air services between India and South Africa and its permit application is under consideration.
This follows remarks by South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille at the start of October, during her Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit speech, when she said a direct flight between India and South Africa is “imminent”.
However, the Department of Transport did not provide details on a planned launch date, route or frequency.
SAA was the last airline to operate a direct service (Johannesburg-Mumbai) between the two countries. The route was discontinued in 2015. Currently, travellers between South Africa and India generally need to connect through Middle Eastern hubs.