United and Delta Airlines can officially breathe a sigh of relief, now that their applications for thrice-weekly flights to Cape Town has been approved.
Three times a week to Cape Town
It’s officially official: Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have both been successful in their applications for thrice-weekly flights to and from the Mother City. The applications by the airlines resulted in the US Department of Transport asking the South African Department of Transport to authorise more flights on the US to Cape Town route.
The two airlines still need formal approvals from the South African DOT, but they Department has given the nod.
Both airlines now have extra flights for their winter season – but they must both launch their flights within 90 days of 17 November 2022, reports Travel News.
Delta and United applications
Back in February this year, Delta applied for three direct flights per week from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. This has now been approved. The carrier also has six flights a week between Atlanta and Johannesburg. It also has official rights to run a new triangular route, from Johannesburg to Cape Town to Atlanta. This triangular route is set to take off later this year.
United will also operate approved direct flights three times a week between the Washington Dulles International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. The carrier also already has an established route to South Africa, from Newark Liberty International Airport in New York to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
According to a statement from United Airlines, Brett Hart, United’s President, expressed gratitude toward the Department of Transportation, as well as the numerous government and community leaders, airports, customers and employees who supported this application.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Department of Transportation, as well as the numerous government and community leaders, airports, customers and employees who supported this application, for recognizing the tremendous benefits to tourism, commerce and diplomacy that a direct link between Cape Town and Washington DC provides,” Hart said.
Delta also released a statement, claiming that they were really pleased that their application was approved and that they are hoping to provide customers with more choice of travel between the US and South Africa later this year.
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