Johannesburg/Gaborone, 5 November 2025 – South African Airways (SAA) has expanded its African network with the launch of a new twice-daily service between Johannesburg and Gaborone, which began on 4 November 2025. The new route is part of SAA’s strategy to enhance connectivity across Southern Africa, supporting trade, tourism, and regional integration.
Speaking at the launch in Gaborone, SAA Group CEO Professor John Lamola said, “This route is more than a flight; it’s a strategic link in SAA’s broader commitment to enhancing intra-African connectivity. It reflects our vision to support trade, tourism, and regional integration across the continent.”
Johannesburg continues to serve as a central hub for SAA, connecting Southern Africa to intercontinental destinations. The new Gaborone service strengthens direct links between South Africa and Botswana and creates a seamless travel corridor between Windhoek and Gaborone via Johannesburg. Passengers and cargo operators can now move efficiently between these two capital cities with a single stop.
The service also opens access to SAA’s wider regional destinations, including Lusaka, Harare, and Kinshasa, as well as international cities such as São Paulo and Perth. With flexible routing options across Southern Africa, the airline is supporting both passenger travel and freight logistics.
The schedule features two daily rotations: a morning flight departing Johannesburg at 06:35 and arriving in Gaborone at 07:35, returning at 08:25 to land in Johannesburg at 09:25; and an afternoon flight departing Johannesburg at 16:40, arriving in Gaborone at 17:40, and returning at 18:30 to land in Johannesburg at 19:30.
The route also includes significant freight capacity, allowing for the efficient transport of high-value and time-sensitive goods, including mining components, agricultural exports, and medical supplies. Integration with rail and sea logistics via the Walvis Bay corridor positions Botswana as a key player in multi-modal supply chains connecting the Atlantic coast to global markets.
Prof. Lamola added, “By leveraging Johannesburg as a central hub, SAA continues to enhance its regional logistics and commercial strategy to facilitate intra-African trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagement, while reinforcing its mission to be Africa’s leading world-class airline.”
The launch of the Johannesburg–Gaborone service highlights SAA’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s economic growth and connectivity. As the airline expands its network, passengers and businesses across the continent can look forward to greater convenience, efficient travel, and improved trade opportunities.
