South African Airways launches route to Abidjan

South African Airways (SAA) has launched flights to Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, its 12th destination in the continent.

The route, which is in line with the airline’s plans to grow its footprint in Africa, will be operated via Accra using its modern Airbus A330-300 with full-lie flat business class seats.

Bookings opened for sale on September 28, 2023, with the launch of the first flight out of Johannesburg on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

SAA will fly to Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport in Abidjan three times a week, departing Johannesburg on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11h00 and arriving in Abidjan at 17h00, with a 55-minute stopover in Accra.

SAA Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Tebogo Tsimane, said the new route is exciting news for SAA and brings its destinations on the African continent up to 12. “The Abidjan route is an integral component of our West Africa expansion strategy.” He says the schedule of flights is suitable for leisure and business travellers. “It also allows Voyager members yet another opportunity to earn miles, at one SAA Voyager mile for every R1.60 they spend.”

In addition, this route will also provide an airfreight link between Accra, Abidjan and Johannesburg therefore enhancing the trade links between these three major cities with the rest of the SAA network.

Known as the Paris of Africa, Abidjan is well known for its coffee, cocoa, timber, bananas, pineapples, and manganese exports. The third-largest French speaking city in the world, it offers leisure and business travellers a wealth of sites to explore such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, the Jardin botanique de Bingerville and the Abokouamekro National Park.

SAA’s Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, said: “Adding Abidjan to its route schedule is another feather in SAA’s cap. Located on the West Coast of Africa, Abidjan is also an ideal location for connecting traffic to European destinations. Lamola added, “Our decision to implement a service to Abidjan is based on a rigorous analysis of the viability of the route, with sustainability at the heart of our strategic approach since our restart.”