South African Airways Returns to Perth

Non-stop flights between Johannesburg and Perth have resumed today, with South African Airways returning to Perth for the first time in over four years.

The resumed service will operate three days per week on an Airbus A340-300, providing more than 39,000 additional inbound seats to Perth each year and nearly halving the previous travel time from roughly 17 hours to just under 10.

Johannesburg is one of 19 international destinations the Western Australian Government has secured or relaunched a direct link to since the pandemic.

Importantly, the service’s resumption comes just months before the highly anticipated Wallabies vs Springboks Rugby Championship match at Optus Stadium on 17 August, offering South African fans a new and seamless connection to watch their nation’s team in action on Australian soil.

Western Australians born in South Africa make up the fourth-largest migrant group in WA, totalling 49,000 people, with South Africa one of WA’s most significant inbound markets for travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Pre-pandemic, Australia attracted 58,000 visitors from South Africa in 2019, 34 per cent of whom visited Western Australia.

The latest 12-month figures show that South African visitors stay an average of 40 nights each in the year ending September 2023, injecting an estimated $28 million into WA’s economy.

For flight bookings and more information about the South Africa service, visit www.flysaa.com

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:

“This non-stop service operated by South African Airways represents a significant milestone in our State’s aviation recovery, providing direct connections for the substantial South African community residing in Western Australia.

“We’re really excited this service between Johannesburg and Perth has been reinstated, which brings massive advantages for our State’s tourism industry and of course, marks the 19th international destination we have secured direct links to since the pandemic.

“The resumption of this flight is welcome news for South African expats and their visiting friends and relatives, as well as for those travelling to WA for major events, such as the Springbok fans, who now have a direct connection ahead of the Rugby Championship match in August at Optus Stadium.”