SAA Expands Flight Schedule Ahead of Festive Season Surge
South African Airways (SAA) has announced a significant expansion of its flight schedule across major regional and international routes, as the airline braces for a surge in passenger demand during the festive season.
The national carrier will introduce additional flights from 1 October 2025, boosting connections between Johannesburg and key destinations, including Lagos, Accra, and São Paulo.
According to the schedule, the Johannesburg–Lagos service will increase to six flights per week from 6 October, with new departures on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Similarly, flights on the Johannesburg–Accra route will also rise to six weekly services from 1 October, with new flights added on Wednesdays and Fridays. In addition, SAA will reinforce its Johannesburg–São Paulo service with extra flights on Wednesdays and Sundays beginning 10 December 2025, ahead of the Brazilian Carnival build-up.
These seasonal uplifts, which will run until 11 February 2026, are designed to provide travellers with more flexibility and convenience at one of the busiest travel times of the year.
Speaking on the development, Mr Tebogo Tsimane, Chief Commercial Officer of SAA, said the decision reflects the airline’s commitment to meeting growing customer demand while strengthening its network.
“South African Airways is strengthening its network with more flights, more frequencies, and more opportunities to connect Africa to the world. We are aiming higher to serve our customers better this festive season,” Tsimane stated.
The airline is targeting a wide range of travellers – from families reuniting for the holidays to business passengers and those attending cultural celebrations such as Detty December in Nigeria, AfroFuture in Ghana, and the run-up to the Brazilian Carnival.
SAA further highlighted several perks for its passengers this festive season, including: transparent, all-inclusive fares, voyager miles on every flight, Business Class comfort with premium lounge access, direct flights with onward global connections, warm African hospitality on board.
The airline has urged passengers to book early to secure competitive fares and guarantee seats during the high-demand period.
Bookings can be made via www.flysaa.com, while updates are also available across SAA’s social media platforms.
