Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Qatar Airways Increases Flights to South Africa from Thirty-Five to Forty-Two Weekly, Boosting Tourism with their New Routes to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban
Published on
January 21, 2026
Qatar Airways will also upgrade its South African operation by introducing more flights, which will rise to 42 per week starting in February 2026, up from the current 35. This will involve additional flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, which will satisfy the increased demand to and from South Africa and the Middle East to the rest of the world.
An increase in the number of direct flights between South Africa and Doha is expected to have a tremendous effect on the growth of tourism in the surrounding areas. Through the enhancement of flexible flight options, Qatar Airways is not only bridging the gap for business travelers but also making South Africa easily accessible, thus entrenching the country as one of the key tourist destinations in the African mainland.
Increased Frequencies Drive Tourism Growth and Regional Connectivity
With the introduction of the new flight frequencies, Qatar Airways aims to improve regional connectivity and foster tourism growth by providing better access to major South African cities. Starting 18 February 2026, flights between Johannesburg and Doha will increase from 18 to 21 weekly services, offering greater flexibility for both leisure travelers and business professionals.
The increase in Cape Town–Doha flights from 12 to 14 weekly services starting on 17 February 2026, along with Durban–Doha flights rising from five to seven weekly services starting 5 March, ensures a smoother flow of visitors to and from South Africa. The added capacity will not only help reduce flight congestion but also lower ticket prices during peak travel periods, enhancing accessibility for more tourists.
A Strategic Move to Bolster South Africa’s Tourism Sector
The increased number of flights from Qatar Airways is a direct response to the growing demand for travel to South Africa, a country renowned for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tourism attractions. With the higher frequency of direct flights, the airline is supporting tourism growth by making it easier for international tourists to explore South Africa’s diverse destinations, including Cape Town’s beaches, Johannesburg’s urban attractions, and the cultural and wildlife offerings of Durban.
For business travelers, the new routes provide vital connectivity, allowing companies based in South Africa to strengthen trade relations with the Middle East and beyond. The increased accessibility enhances business tourism, creating opportunities for conferences, meetings, and corporate events that draw high-spending visitors to South Africa.
Enhancing Tourism Growth Through Strategic Connectivity
Qatar Airways’ expansion into South Africa also supports the country’s broader tourism growth strategy, which includes diversifying visitor arrivals from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. By increasing direct connectivity between South Africa and key international hubs, Qatar Airways strengthens its role as a gateway airline connecting South Africa to destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America.
The increase in frequent flights offers a unique opportunity for travelers seeking to explore not just South Africa but the wider Southern African region, including destinations such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. This interconnectedness encourages travelers to book multi-destination trips, enhancing overall tourism revenues and boosting the local tourism economy.
Strengthening Business and Leisure Tourism: A Dual Approach to Growth
The strategic expansion into South Africa is expected to deliver positive economic growth and tourism benefits. The added flight frequencies are likely to result in higher tourism spending, especially in hotels, restaurants, tourism activities, and shopping districts. In particular, tourism operators will see increased demand for guided tours, excursions, and cultural experiences, further boosting local businesses.
Moreover, this move highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to supporting business tourism as well. The airline’s enhanced capacity and improved connectivity will make South Africa an even more attractive location for international conferences and trade events, which will benefit hotels, event venues, and service providers in cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Qatar Airways’ Regional Africa Strategy: Supporting Long-Term Tourism Growth
The expansion of Qatar Airways’ services to South Africa aligns with the airline’s broader Africa strategy, which includes strategic partnerships with Air Algérie, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and a 25% stake in Airlink. These partnerships help enhance regional connectivity and support tourism growth across the African continent. Qatar Airways’ role as a connector between Africa and the Middle East plays a crucial part in supporting the tourism recovery in Africa.
This cooperation between Qatar Airways and its African partners ensures that the continent remains accessible and attractive to global travelers, strengthening South Africa’s position within the global tourism industry.
A Bright Future for South African Tourism and Connectivity
The increase in flights from Qatar Airways to South Africa is one of the major milestones that the industry has experienced in the development of tourism. Increased flights translate to better connectivity and therefore contribute to the development of the tourism industry in South Africa since more visitors from the Middle Eastern countries and the rest of the world can visit.
Due to the increasing demand for tourism in South Africa, the plan of action by Qatar Airways will have a significant impact in the short and long term, ensuring that South Africa becomes a major destination for tourists in the global arena. By increasing the presence of Qatar Airways in South Africa, the country will always be at the top of the tourism market in the world.
Image Source: Qatar Airways
