Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa. With its beaches, mountains, wine farms, and historic sites, the city has something for nearly every type of traveller. Whether you’re visiting from another part of South Africa, flying in from elsewhere in Africa, or coming from overseas, finding the best flights to Cape Town South Africa can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Airlines That Fly to Cape Town, South Africa
The great news is that Cape Town is linked to many cities through both local and international airlines. Below are the most common options, grouped by region, along with what makes each one stand out.
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
The Best Flights to Cape Town from Across Africa
South African Airways
South African Airways (our national airline) may not offer the most direct route to Cape Town, but what it lacks in straight lines, it makes up for in character – and a touch of serendipity. Connecting Cape Town seamlessly via Johannesburg, SAA serves up a taste of South African warmth before you even set foot on Table Mountain.
Step aboard and you’ll find spacious cabins, proper food (no soggy croissants here), and the kind of heartfelt hospitality that turns a journey into a homecoming. Oh, and let’s not forget the comeback story: SAA just posted its first profit since 2012. Proof that resilience really does fly.
Add to that the Voyager loyalty programme, where miles earned today become getaways tomorrow, and you’ve got a proudly African airline with renewed wings and a reason to choose the scenic route.
Website: https://www.flysaa.com
FlySafair
As a major South African carrier, FlySafair operates a extensive network of flights, including regular services to and from Cape Town.
Website: https://www.flysafair.co.za
Ethiopian Airlines
This airline flies to Cape Town via Addis Ababa. It has built a reputation for reliable service and offers a wide range of connections, especially for those travelling from West Africa or Europe.
Website: https://www.ethiopianairlines.com
Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways connects Cape Town through Nairobi, making it an ideal option for those traveling from East Africa or transferring from Europe or Asia.
Website: https://www.kenya-airways.com
TAAG Angola Airlines
Flying through Luanda, TAAG provides a valuable link for travellers coming from Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as those combining travel between Africa and parts of South America.
Website: https://flytaag.com
Airlink
Airlink runs regular flights to Cape Town from smaller cities across South Africa and neighbouring countries. It’s ideal for travellers coming from places like Windhoek, Gaborone, or the Lowveld.
Website: https://www.flyairlink.com
The Best Flights From Europe to Cape Town
British Airways
British Airways offers direct flights between London Heathrow and Cape Town. It’s one of the few European airlines with a nonstop route, and many passengers appreciate its consistent service and ease of travel from the UK.
Website: https://www.britishairways.com
Lufthansa
German airline Lufthansa flies to Cape Town via Frankfurt or Munich and is best known for adhering to its schedule (as the Germans are generally known for doing) and for its exemplary service on both long and short flights.
Website: https://www.lufthansa.com
KLM
Based in the Netherlands, KLM connects Cape Town via Amsterdam. Schiphol Airport is well organised, and KLM’s service is friendly and dependable.
Website: https://www.klm.co.za
Air France
Air France connects through Paris. It’s ideal for travellers from France or elsewhere in Europe who want easy access to Cape Town with only one stop.
Website: https://wwws.airfrance.fr
Turkish Airlines
Flying through Istanbul, Turkish Airlines offers extensive international access and is renowned for its good in-flight meals and friendly service. Many people use it when travelling from Europe, Asia, or the Middle East.
Website: https://www.turkishairlines.com
Norse Atlantic
Norse Atlantic Airways is an excellent option for flights to Cape Town from Europe, providing affordable fares and direct routes from hubs like London and Oslo. Operating a modern fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Norse Atlantic ensures a comfortable and eco-friendly journey for European travelers. While baggage and meals may incur extra fees, the airline’s low-cost model and flexibility make it ideal for budget-conscious passengers heading to Cape Town.
Website: https://flynorse.com
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic doesn’t just fly you from London to the Mother City – it woos you at 35,000 feet. With daily direct flights from Heathrow aboard the sleek, whisper-quiet Airbus A350-1000 (think: modern luxury with winged swagger), this is travel the way it should be.
Onboard? Expect complimentary everything. Food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a trove of award-winning entertainment. And if you’re the sort who likes turning air miles into upgrades, Virgin’s Flying Club lets you bank points from across Europe, thanks to their dashing codeshare partners at KLM and Air France. Paris, Amsterdam, wherever you begin — Cape Town is just a cocktail napkin away.
The Best Flights from the Middle East to Cape Town
Emirates
Emirates connects Cape Town through Dubai and is renowned for its comfortable cabins, extensive in-flight entertainment selection, and strong connections to cities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Website: https://www.emirates.com
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways links Cape Town to Doha, and from there to the rest of the world. Many travellers rate its customer service highly, especially on long-haul flights.
Website: https://www.qatarairways.com
Etihad Airways
Etihad flies via Abu Dhabi and is known for a calm onboard experience and quality service. It’s also well-suited for those coming from Asia or Australia.
Website: https://www.etihad.com
The Best Flights from North America to Cape Town
Delta Air Lines
While Delta doesn’t currently offer a direct flight to Cape Town, it connects through Johannesburg with partners like Air France and KLM. This makes it a viable option for US travelers, especially those already flying with SkyTeam partners.
Website: https://www.delta.com
United Airlines
Like Delta, United serves Cape Town through its alliance network. You can often fly via Europe or through South Africa’s main hub cities.
Website: https://www.united.com
Singapore Airlines
This airline offers connections to Cape Town through Johannesburg. Repeat travellers often mention its service and attention to detail. It’s therefore a good pick for those coming from Asia-Pacific.
Website: https://www.singaporeair.com
The Best Flights from Australasia to Cape Town
Qantas
Flights to Cape Town with Qantas offer convenient connections from Australia and New Zealand through Sydney or other hubs, with all-inclusive tickets featuring complimentary meals, entertainment, and checked baggage for a comfortable journey. Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn and redeem points on these flights, and with flexible booking options and a reputation for world-class service, Qantas ensures a seamless and enjoyable travel experience to explore Cape Town’s stunning beaches and vibrant culture.
Website: https://www.qantas.com/
Cathay Pacific
Booking flights to Cape Town with Cathay Pacific from Australia and New Zealand offers seamless connections through Hong Kong. With their award-winning service and modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft, the time just flyes by. With increased flight frequencies, including up to 14 weekly flights from Brisbane and Perth, 11 from Auckland, and seasonal services from Adelaide and Christchurch, Cathay Pacific provides flexible travel options, enhanced comfort, and the chance to earn Asia Miles for future rewards.
Website: https://www.qantas.com/
Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius is a great airline to book flights to Cape Town from Australia and New Zealand, offering convenient connections through its hub in Mauritius. The airline operates a modern fleet, including the fuel-efficient Airbus A350-900, ensuring a comfortable journey from cities like Perth or Sydney in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand, to Cape Town. Passengers benefit from excellent service, seamless online check-in, seat selection, and a generous baggage allowance, making travel from these regions to Cape Town smooth and enjoyable. The Kestrelflyer program allows travelers from Australia and New Zealand to earn and redeem miles, adding additional value to their bookings.
Website: https://www.airmauritius.com
Which Airlines Match Your Travel Style?
For Comfort and Service
Travellers looking for a more relaxed experience on long flights often prefer Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Singapore Airlines. These airlines are known for larger seats, helpful staff, and extras that make long travel hours more bearable.
For Simple, Affordable Travel
Ethiopian Airlines consistently offers reliable service with extensive coverage across Africa. For local flights, FlySafair is one of the most trusted low-cost options within South Africa. It doesn’t include many extras, but it’s usually on time and easy to use.
For the Shortest Flight Path
British Airways currently offers the only direct flights from London to Cape Town. This makes it the fastest option from the UK and a favourite among European travellers who want to avoid stopovers.
For Multi-City African Travel
Airlink is another good choice if you’re visiting Cape Town as part of a broader trip that includes smaller cities or game reserves. However, its network is mainly focused on southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana.
When to Book Your Flight
Now the fun part: when should you visit Cape Town? When booking your flight, consider that Cape Town is busiest from December to February, which corresponds to summer in South Africa. Flights can therefore fill up quickly during this time, so booking early is usually a good idea. So if you’re travelling in spring or autumn, around April, May, September, or October, the city is still warm and sunny, but less crowded. These months are also great for wine tasting, hiking, and sightseeing.
Getting Through the Airport
Cape Town International Airport is easily managed. It has one main terminal that handles both local and international flights. So if you’re connecting to another city in South Africa, it’s usually a quick transfer. Public transport options also include the MyCiTi bus, which goes to the city centre, as well as taxis and ride-hailing apps. Immigration lines can also vary depending on arrival time, so keep that in mind when planning airport pickups.
Why Travellers Keep Booking Flights to Cape Town South Africa
Without a doubt, Cape Town has earned its reputation as one of the world’s top travel destinations. It offers outdoor adventure, world-class food and wine, rich history, and easy access to nature. You can start your day at the beach, head to the mountains in the afternoon, and finish with dinner overlooking a vineyard or the sea. What more can you wish for?
The city’s wide range of flight options also makes it more accessible than ever. So whether you’re flying in from a neighbouring country or halfway across the globe, Cape Town is worth the journey, and the right flight will help make your trip even better.
