Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has officially welcomed the introduction of two new routes by FlySafair, enhancing connectivity between major South African cities and the Eastern Cape. The new services, which commenced in November 2023, connect Cape Town and Johannesburg with Gqeberha and East London.
The new flight paths are seen as a significant development for regional travel, aimed at meeting growing demand and stimulating economic activity. The routes will operate from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha and King Phalo Airport in East London.
### Enhancing Regional Connectivity
According to Terence Delomoney, Acting CEO of ACSA, the launch of these routes is a positive step towards improving domestic connectivity. He noted that the increased flight options provide travellers with more choices and competitive pricing, which is crucial for both business and leisure travel. Delomoney emphasized ACSA’s commitment to collaborating with airline partners to expand route networks and support South Africa’s economic recovery.
Kirby Gordon, Chief marketing officer for FlySafair, stated that the airline is pleased to offer these new routes, which will make travel to and from the Eastern Cape more accessible and affordable. The airline will now operate twice-daily flights between Cape Town and East London, while flights between Johannesburg and Gqeberha will increase to four daily flights.
### Economic and Tourism Impact
Jabu Mangena, Regional General Manager for ACSA’s Eastern Cape airports, highlighted the strategic importance of the new routes for the province. Mangena believes the increased air access will boost tourism, facilitate trade, and create employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the region’s economic growth.
The introduction of these flights comes as ACSA reports positive recovery in passenger numbers. In the 2022/23 financial year, King Phalo Airport recorded 1.2 million passengers and Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport saw 1.9 million. ACSA also noted that during the recent festive season, its network handled over 4 million departing passengers. Overall passenger recovery reached 97% of pre-Covid levels in December 2023, with domestic travel recovering to 81%.
Key Points
* New routes launched: November 2023.
* Flights between Cape Town and East London: Twice daily.
* Flights between Johannesburg and Gqeberha: Increased to four daily.
* 2022/23 passenger numbers at King Phalo Airport: 1.2 million.
* 2022/23 passenger numbers at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport: 1.9 million.
* Departing passengers handled by ACSA during the recent festive season: Over 4 million.
* ACSA’s overall passenger recovery rate in December 2023: 97% of pre-Covid levels.
* Domestic travel recovery rate: 81% of pre-Covid levels.
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