South African Airways
South Africa’s state-owned flag carrier, operating scheduled domestic, regional African and long-haul services with Johannesburg as its primary hub.
About South African Airways
South African Airways is South Africa’s national flag carrier and one of the continent’s best-known airline brands. Founded in 1934, it operates as a state-owned scheduled airline under the legal name South African Airways. Its long history has made the airline an important part of South Africa’s aviation sector and international connectivity, although its scale and route network have changed considerably over time.
Johannesburg is the airline’s primary hub and the principal gateway for domestic, regional and intercontinental connections. Its network encompasses 73 destinations across 42 countries and 218 routes. Important South African points include Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit and George, while international destinations include Maputo, Mauritius, Dakar and Dubai.
Aircraft types associated with the airline’s operations include Airbus A319, A320, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, A340-300 and A340-600 variants, alongside Boeing 737 aircraft and historically recorded types such as the Airbus A380-800 and Avro RJ85. Equipment can vary by route and operating arrangement. Economy Class is the standard cabin, with Business Class offered on selected aircraft and services.
South African Airways joined Star Alliance in 2006, giving eligible passengers access to a wider global network through alliance partners. Its loyalty programme is SAA Voyager, through which members can earn and redeem miles subject to programme rules, fare eligibility and partner participation. Status benefits may include priority services and lounge access, depending on membership tier and itinerary.
A key strength is the airline’s Johannesburg-based connectivity between South African cities, regional African markets and selected longer-distance destinations. However, South African Airways has undergone financial restructuring and a substantial operational reset, so its present schedule is more limited and changeable than during its former peak. Travellers should confirm current frequencies, operating carriers and connection details before booking.
Good to know
Flying with South African Airways — what to expect
Check Current Schedules
South African Airways has rebuilt its network following restructuring, and frequencies can change. Confirm the operating days and any connection requirements before finalising plans.
Johannesburg Connections
Johannesburg is the airline’s main connecting hub. Allow sufficient transfer time, particularly when changing between domestic and international flights or completing immigration formalities.
Cabins Vary
Aircraft and cabin layouts differ between domestic, regional and longer routes. Check the scheduled aircraft and seat map when selecting a flight, while remembering that operational substitutions remain possible.
Baggage Depends on Fare
Checked and cabin baggage entitlements depend on the route, fare type and travel class. Review the allowance shown on the ticket before arriving at the airport, especially on journeys involving partner airlines.
Voyager Benefits
SAA Voyager members may earn miles and receive tier-based benefits on eligible South African Airways and partner flights. Earning rates and lounge access depend on the fare, status and itinerary.
Alliance Connections
Star Alliance membership can simplify certain connecting itineraries and provide reciprocal benefits for eligible frequent flyers. Separate tickets may not receive the same through-checking or disruption protection as a single itinerary.
Network overview
Where South African Airways flies
South African Airways operates 218 routes to 73 destinations across 42 countries, its longest sector reaching New York to Johannesburg (12,831 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities South African Airways flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
New York → Johannesburg
12,831 km · JFK → JNB
The longest sector in the South African Airways network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by South African Airways
More from South Africa
Other airlines based in South Africa
FAQ
South African Airways — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Carry-on limits vary by cabin, fare and itinerary, so passengers should check the allowance stated on their booking and the airline’s current baggage rules. Partner-operated flights may apply the operating carrier’s restrictions.
- South African Airways’s primary hub is Johannesburg, which handles the largest share of its routes and serves as its main domestic, African and long-haul connecting gateway.
- The busiest departure points are Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London, in that order by number of routes. Johannesburg is the airline’s main hub.
- South African Airways serves 73 destinations across 42 countries, operating 218 routes.
- The longest route is New York to Johannesburg, covering about 12,831 km nonstop.
- South African Airways serves domestic South African cities, regional destinations across Africa and selected longer-distance international markets. Examples include Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Maputo, Mauritius, Dakar and Dubai.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices shown.
- Fares are often lower when booked early for off-peak travel, particularly outside major holidays and high-demand South African travel periods. Comparing nearby dates and midweek departures can reveal better prices.