South Africans could soon have new direct flights to Europe – this time to Spain.
Spanish airline Air Europa is planning to launch flights between Spain and South Africa, after receiving approval from Spain’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The DGCA recently opened nine weekly slots between the two countries under third- and fourth-freedom rights, granting Air Europa permission to operate three flights per week.
Air Europa to South Africa?
While the carrier now holds the traffic rights, it still needs to secure final regulatory and operational approvals before flights can be scheduled, Travelnews reported.
If multiple airlines apply for the same route, Air Europa will receive priority consideration, though six of the nine available slots remain unallocated.
A direct service between Spain and South Africa would significantly simplify travel for both South Africans heading to Europe and European tourists visiting the country.
For now, the industry is watching closely to see whether other airlines will claim the remaining slots or if Air Europa moves quickly to finalise flight schedules.
If all goes according to plan, this could mark the start of a new era of connectivity between Southern Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.
