United Airlines now flying direct to Cape Town from Washington D.C.

United Airlines first direct flight from Washington/Dulles hub to Cape Town International Airport touched down on 18 November, marking the first-ever nonstop service between these two cities. Going forwards, United will fly this route three-times weekly year-round, enabling South Africans easy access to United’s Washington Dulles hub and the 60+ destinations across the Americas that it connects to.

The new route joins United’s existing nonstop three-times weekly service from Cape Town to New York/Newark, as well as its daily service from Johannesburg to New York/Newark. Meanwhile, United’s partnership with local carrier Airlink provides customers with additional links to destinations within the southern cone of Africa.

Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President Global Network Planning and Alliances, said, “We are excited to launch our new service between Washington D.C. and Cape Town, which builds on our industry leading network across the Atlantic. As the largest airline between the U.S. and South Africa, we are proud to link our countries’ diplomatic and legislative centres and look forward to benefiting the thriving travel and tourism industries.”

“As the largest airline between the U.S. and South Africa, we are proud to link our countries’ diplomatic and legislative centres and look forward to benefiting the thriving travel and tourism industries.”

Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape Government, added, “The Western Cape’s post-Covid-19 recovery continues its take off. Our province’s lucrative tourism sector – a key economic lever to growth – has been given another boost thanks to United Airlines. The launch of the airline’s non-stop service between Washington D.C. and Cape Town is another indication of the sustained surge in demand for flights to the Mother City – yet more confirmation of its status as a world-class tourist destination.

“Earlier this year, United expanded its three weekly non-stop flights between Cape Town International Airport and New York/Newark to year-round service. We are thrilled it has decided to spread its wings even further in the Western Cape. I would like to thank United Airlines for playing an important role, not just in reviving our economy after a turbulent few years, but also for giving the country’s aviation industry some much-needed help too. We look forward to nurturing our relationship with the airline going forward.”

Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro and spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access, also stressed the economic benefits this new route offers, when she said, “The addition of United’s Washington/Dulles to Cape Town service, alongside their existing New York/Newark to Cape Town route, will enable the continued expansion of economic opportunities for Cape Town and the Western Cape. The United States is a key source market for tourism, trade and investment for the province. We look forward to the bumper summer season ahead, and we would like to thank United Airlines for its continued commitment to our destination.”

Cape Town (CPT) to Washington/Dulles (IAD)

United’s new service from Cape Town to Washington Dulles is operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 48 all-aisle-access United Polaris^SM business suites, 21 United Premium Plus^SM premium economy, 39 Economy Plus^SM and 149 economy seats. The Dreamliner offers customers many features for increased comfort, such as large windows, spacious overhead storage and modern LED lighting to simulate a full day, helping passengers adjust their internal clock on the transatlantic flight. In addition, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and smoother ride help customers feel rested on arrival.

United customers in South Africa can book flights by visiting united.com or contacting the United Reservations on 0214268058 or their travel agent.

RELATED: TAAG now flying Luanda-Durban