Direct flights from Cape Town to Antarctica will be a reality soon, mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis vowed following his return from an oversight visit on Monday, 6 February 2023.
Five-hour direct flights from Cape Town to Antarctica taking off soon
Located about 6 611km across the Southern Ocean, a trip to Antarctica could take travellers departing from Cape Town only five hours on a direct commercial flight and according to the city’s mayor, the Mother City is perfectly poised to challenge as the best destination to visit before heading to the South Pole.
“It was a privilege to witness the Antarctic’s pristine wilderness first-hand via a short flight from Cape Town today. We want more people to choose our city as their preferred gateway to reach international scientific bases, or to experience the continent’s unique sustainable tourism offering,” Hill-Lewis said.
Already, Cape Town businesses have long established a solid footing in Antarctica’s bustling tourism industry as prominent suppliers of accommodation materials.
The next step, Hill-Lewis said, is developing a powerful link between the runways at Cape Town International Airport and Wolf’s Fang in Queen Maud Land.
“We are launching a new destination marketing campaign with a clear message – Cape Town is the best place to come before you head way down South. Where else can you go from sun and beautiful beaches to Antarctica in just [five] hours?” the mayor said.
It remains unclear when commercial flights to Antarctica will launch.
Ways to travel to Antarctica in 2023
Currently, travellers can visit Antarctica by:
- sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina;
- boarding a charter plane from Punta Arenas, Chile;
- sailing from Christchurch, New Zealand; or
- flying on a 12-seater charter jet from Cape Town.
Sailing to Antarctica from the tip of South America through the Drake Passage can take as long as 48 hours. Flights to the South Pole are also available, albeit, the trips are tailored toward package groups.
