South Africa Domestic Flights to Explore This Stunning Country

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South Africa is a big country. If you have only one or two destinations to visit, or your time is limited, flying may be quicker and cheaper to cover long distances between major cities. It is helpful to know about the local South African airlines and the local destinations they fly to if you are thinking about taking a South Africa domestic flight.

South Africa Domestic Flights

COVID may have affected the airlines, flight schedules and destinations for domestic flights in South Africa. Be sure to check the website of the airline of your choice to make sure whether they are operating and what their updated flights schedules are.

There are 4 domestic airlines operating in South Africa and one international airline offering flights within South Africa. Each provides reliable and safe air travel but has different offerings for travellers. The major airports connect the major cities, but the smaller airports connect the major cities with medium-sized towns or cities. 

When you book a flight on one of the domestic airlines, such as Kulula, FlySafair, make sure you are allowed checked luggage as many of the budget airlines only allow hand luggage unless you pay extra for checked luggage!

South Africa Domestic flights: South African Airways

South African Airways or SAA is South Africa’s national airline carrier. SAA have flights to and from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, George, Port Elizabeth and East London, South Africa’s national airline company. Most of these flights are non-stop. SAA offers many international flights throughout Africa and the rest of the world.

Book a flight on SAA here!

South African Airlink: South Africa Domestic Flights

SA Airlink is a privately-owned regional airline with flight offerings throughout Southern Africa. In 2020, SA Airlink was South Africa’s most punctual airline. It operates flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, George, Kimberley, Pietermaritzburg, Mthatha, Sishen, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Skukuza, Cape Town, Hoedspruit, and East London. They have flights from Cape Town to Skukuza, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, George, Upington, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, and Port Elizabeth. A variety of regional flights within Southern Africa is available. 

Book a flight on SA Airlink here!

FlySafair: South Africa Domestic Flights

FlySafair launched in October 2014. They started with two aircraft flying between Johannesburg and Cape Town. They now have more aircraft and fly to and from these destinations: Johannesburg International Airport, Lanseria International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, East London Airport, Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ), George Airport, Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein. FlySafair offers budget flights, and you pay extra for additional features, including checked luggage and pre-selected seats.

Book a flight on FlySafair here!

LIFT for South African domestic flights

LIFT is the newest budget airline in South Africa and currently only flies between Cape Town and Johannesburg. This airline focuses on being a flexible airline, and you can change or cancel flights at any time for any reason and get a full refund into your LIFT wallet, which you can use to make a new booking or for additional items, such as luggage. With LIFT, you choose what you want to pay for, including checked baggage, seat selection, etc. 

Book a flight on LIFT here!

Kulula domestic flights in South Africa

Kulula is another domestic budget airline operating in South Africa and you can book hotels, car hire and transfers with Kulula when you book your flights. Their domestic flight offerings include travel between Johannesburg International Airport to Cape Town, George, Durban and East London or Lanseria International Airport to Durban and Cape Town. You can choose to fly from Cape Town to Lanseria or Johannesburg International Airport or take a flight from Durban to Lanseria or Johannesburg International Airport.

Book a flight on Kulula here!

British Airways or BA domestic flights South Africa

Comair operates British Airways in South Africa. British Airways provide full-service flights, including checked luggage and seat selection. They offer flights between Johannesburg to East London, Port Elizabeth and Durban, and between Cape Town and Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London.

Book a flight on British Airways here!

South Africa had another domestic airline, Mango, but it is currently under business rescue. Find more information about this here.

Frequently Asked Questions about taking a domestic flight in South Africa

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about flying domestically in South Africa:

Do I need a COVID test for a domestic flights in South Africa?

No, you don’t need a COVID test when taking a local flight in South Africa. However, you may need one to fly into South Africa from a foreign country – always phone your airline to make sure of their requirements.

What are the domestic flights in South Africa’s rules?

The rules for taking a domestic flight is similar to the rules of taking an international flight. For example, you cannot take liquids in sizes of more than 100 ml. The same rules to dangerous substances and items apply when flying domestically in South Africa.

Book your South Africa domestic flights here!

South Africa Domestic Flights

International airports in South Africa

South Africa’sAfrica’s international airports include Johannesburg International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. The Airports Company South Africa or ACSA manage these airports. Here you can find out more about the international airports in South Africa and how to choose one for your trip to South Africa.

National airports in South Africa

South Africa has several national airports in South Africa, including Lanseria International Airport, the Bram Fischer Airport in Bloemfontein, the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Port Elizabeth, Kimberley Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Upington International Airport, East London Airport. There are also many smaller airports throughout South Africa you can choose from to explore this stunning country.

Sabs | South Africa Travel Blog

By Sunelle

Editor of the South Africa Travel Blog that focuses on travel to South Africa, including destinations, attractions, accommodation, food & drink.

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