Patricia de Lille, the Minister of Tourism, has announced the proposal for direct flights between Cape Town and Jeddah, aiming to boost tourism, particularly for Hajj and Umrah travellers.
De Lille lobbies for direct flights between Cape Town and Jeddah
The recent resumption of SAUDIA Airlines flights between Johannesburg and Jeddah marks a significant step in strengthening air travel between South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
This development aligns with the government’s initiative to establish a direct flight route between Cape Town and Saudi Arabia. Minister De Lille emphasised the importance of direct flights in enhancing the tourism sector’s performance.
A direct Cape Town-Jeddah route is seen as a key driver in growing cultural and religious tourism, benefiting Hajj and Umrah pilgrims significantly.
South Africa and Saudi Arabia have been working closely to increase tourism through various initiatives, including the Saudi Air Connectivity Programme.
The Department of Tourism’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism underlines these joint efforts.
Both countries are committed to promoting and marketing these flights and tourism offerings. The new direct flight route is expected to significantly contribute to the economies of South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
“We will continue working with our counterparts in Saudi Arabia to jointly promote and market these flights and tourism offerings in Saudi Arabia and South Africa to grow tourism numbers in our respective destinations. This latest move will undoubtedly increase tourism’s contribution to our economies.
“I express my gratitude to all teams involved in the resumption of the direct flight between Jeddah and Johannesburg, including SAUDIA Airlines, Acsa, and all other roleplayers,” De Lille said.
In a move to facilitate easier travel, Saudi Arabia opened e-Visas to South African travellers in October 2023, making South Africa the first African country eligible for this program.
The e-Visa, valid for a year, allows multiple entries for up to 90 days per visit. Saudi Arabian travellers enjoy visa-exempt status when visiting South Africa, further simplifying travel arrangements for up to 90 days.