These days getting to South Africa is pretty simple when one
considers the vast quantity of international daily flights and direct connections to
Johannesburg and Cape Town. There are an outstanding number of world-class airlines flying
daily into South Africa’s international airports from all the corners of the globe.
Our world class International Airports include
- O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA)
- Cape Town International Airport (CIA)
- Durban International Airport (DIA)
Through the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), passenger-handling facilities are
continually being upgraded, offering excellent facilities for the business traveller.
There are superb restaurants, bars, shopping areas, rest facilities and a number of VIP
services at these airports.
Arrival tips
There are just a few basics to bare in mind, as you land in South Africa.
- Information Kiosks / Help Desks: These can be found in International Arrivals,
International Departures as well at in the Domestic Arrivals sections of the airport.
- Choosing a Porter: Ensure that you use only approved airport porters - they will be
wearing the approved bright orange uniforms and will carry ACSA permits. The porters will
gladly assist you with your luggage. These porters work exclusively for tips and a
guideline tip to give your porter is R5 (South African Rand). Do not leave your luggage
unattended at any time.
- Choosing a taxi: The Airports Company has approved taxi and shuttle service operators
that cover all major areas. It is a good idea to make use of the ACSA approved transport
operators - they will be displaying the ACSA permit and logo. If you are still unsure then
contact the ACSA helpdesk for further assistance.
While some countries offer direct flights to Cape Town International, most fly to O.R.
Tambo (Johannesburg) International. From there, a quick two hour flight takes you to Cape
Town.
- Europe: A large number of the flights on offer from Europe to South Africa are night
flights - which ups the convenience factor considerably. Night flights mean that you awake
at your destination rested and ready to take in the sights and sounds. Many European
destinations offer daily flights between Johannesburg and their European capitals and some
offer two or three flights per day. Generally, it takes one between eight and ten hours to
get to South Africa.
- Australia: Flying time from Sydney to Johannesburg is 16 hours and Perth to Johannesburg
is 13 hours and 45 minutes.
- Brazil: It takes 8 and a half hours from Guaralhos International Airport in Sao Paulo to
Johannesburg.
- China: The flight duration from Singapore is just 10 hours.
- India: The flight from Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport to Johannesburg takes
roughly 9 hours.
- Japan & Korea: In order to fly from Tokyo (Narita) to Johannesburg with Cathay
Pacific - one needs to fly via Hong Kong. From Tokyo to Hong Kong it is 3 hours, then it
takes a further 13 hours from Hong Kong to South Africa.
- United States of America: There are daily flights to Johannesburg from both Washington
and New York on South African Airways. Flights from the US to South Africa are estimated
at around 17 hours.
Please visit the Airports
Company South Africa website for further information and details on getting in and
around our airports. |
