Air Europa Eyes South Africa in Potential New Route Expansion
Spain and South Africa move closer to launching direct flights, opening fresh travel opportunities for tourists and business travellers alike.
Spain’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has started allocating air traffic rights between Spain and South Africa. The DGCA has approved up to nine weekly flights between the two countries under third- and fourth-freedom rights agreements.
Air Europa has received approval to operate three weekly flights once all remaining regulatory processes are complete. Six additional weekly frequencies remain available, and other airlines may apply to operate them within the next 12 months.
Air Europa will hold priority if multiple carriers express interest in the same flight rights.
Air Europa Prepares for Take-Off — But Not Just Yet
Air Europa still needs to complete several operational and regulatory steps before launching the route. Spain and South Africa must finalise the bilateral framework to ensure compliance with both nations’ aviation regulations.
The new service will become Air Europa’s first destination in Africa, marking a strategic milestone for the Spanish carrier. Travel specialists expect the airline to operate from Madrid to Johannesburg or Cape Town once all approvals are granted. For now, the announcement signals progress rather than an imminent launch, but the groundwork for direct flights is underway.
Why This Route Matters for Travellers
Direct flights between Spain and South Africa will simplify travel for tourists heading to Western Europe or exploring Southern Africa. The new service could offer shorter travel times and more competitive fares compared to existing one-stop connections via the Middle East.
Local tourism experts say affordable pricing will determine the route’s success and attract both leisure and business travellers.
Carla Vickers from French and Italian Excursions believes direct flights will boost tourism in both directions significantly. She said “Convenient non-stop flights are always the first choice for travellers, especially when fares remain competitive.”
Looking Ahead: More Connections on the Horizon
The DGCA’s decision has sparked optimism among tourism operators and frequent travellers across both regions. South Africa continues to attract strong demand from Spanish-speaking markets, particularly for safari and cultural tourism.
Meanwhile, South Africans remain eager to explore Spain and Portugal, which offer affordable travel options within Western Europe. If final approvals proceed smoothly, Air Europa could launch the route in 2026, connecting Madrid directly with South Africa. Until then, travellers can look forward to stronger ties, better connectivity, and new adventures between Europe and Africa.