Delta Air Lines has introduced non-stop flights between Cape Town and Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is recognised as the world’s busiest airport, with 75.7 million passengers passing through it last year. The new flight route will provide travellers from Cape Town with access to over 200 destinations around the USA, while connecting these destinations to the Mother City with a one-stop flight.
Delta will operate up to 10 times weekly between South Africa and the United States over the summer season, with a triangular service that kick-starts Delta’s operations in Cape Town. Delta’s nonstop flights from Cape Town to Atlanta will start effective December 18 and will operate three times weekly with departures on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
Tremendous demand for flights to South Africa
Paul Hassenstab, Delta’s Director Sales EMEAI, says, “We are already seeing tremendous demand for our flights to South Africa and adding our second gateway to the country with our Cape Town service is proving popular as our customers seek new experiences. In just a year we have increased capacity to South Africa by a staggering 67 percent, contributing to the recovery of the tourism sector in Cape Town and the region overall as we reaffirm the strong business ties between our two countries.”
South Africa is the largest U.S. trade partner in Africa, with a total two-way goods trade of USD $14 billion in 2018. Approximately 600 U.S. businesses operate in South Africa, many of which use South Africa as headquarters for their Africa operations. Cape Town and the Western Cape are popular destinations for U.S. visitors, and the U.S. is now the leading point of origin for inbound tourism to South Africa.
Approximately 600 U.S. businesses operate in South Africa, many of which use South Africa as headquarters for their Africa operations.
Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro CEO and the Official Spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access, also shares the following: “In 2021, the United States became South Africa’s number one overseas market for trade and tourism, and for 2022 year-to-date, it was Cape Town’s second largest passenger market with two-way passenger volumes reaching 105 000. This market’s outstanding performance owes a lot to airlines such as Delta for their commitment to the destination. We are extremely excited about these two new routes as they will continue to boost tourism, economic relations and business opportunities between Cape Town and the United States.”
Geordin Hill-Lewis, the mayor of Cape Town, says, “I am delighted to welcome Delta’s new direct Cape Town-Atlanta flight to the Mother City. This route will offer unprecedented ease of access to our city for travellers from the Southeastern United States and — through Delta’s extensive connecting flight offering — the whole of North America. Cape Town is one of the world’s favourite tourist destinations and is rapidly rising to prominence as a leading centre for business in Africa. Delta’s decision to open the route is a reflection of this reputation. Capetonians look forward to extending the best of South African hospitality to every passenger arriving here from Atlanta.”
Cargo opportunities included
As well as connecting travellers to popular U.S. destinations such as New York, Orlando, Los Angeles and Washington, the service will also provides cargo opportunities for freight forwarders to transport goods between the nations and will carry vital cargo to the U.S. (including perishables such as fruit, vegetables, and fish as well as machine and auto parts).
Delta’s flights between South Africa / Cape Town and Johannesburg and Atlanta will operate as follows:
Triangular service: Atlanta-Johannesburg-Cape Town; Cape Town – Atlanta
| Flight | Departs | Arrives | Effective | Frequency |
| DL238/239 | Atlanta at 17:45 | Cape Town (via JNB) at 20:35 (next day) | 02 December | 4 x weekly |
| DL238/239 | Cape Town at 22:50 | Atlanta at 8:10 (next day) | 03 December | 4 x weekly |
Nonstop: Atlanta-Cape Town and Cape Town – Atlanta
| Flight | Departs | Arrives | Effective | Frequency |
| DL210 | Atlanta at 20:50 | Cape Town at 18:15 (next day) | 17 December | 3 x weekly |
| DL211 | Cape Town at 22:50 | Atlanta at 8:10 (next day) | 18 December | 3 x weekly |
Customers onboard Delta’s flagship A350-900 aircraft can choose between Delta One (with luxurious fully flat-bed seats and individual aisle access), Delta Premium Select (with extra room to relax), Delta Comfort+ (with added extras) and Main Cabin seats.
Delta flights between South Africa and the United States are available for booking via travel agents, Delta’s reservations team on 011-408-8200 or online at Delta.com.
