Johannesburg, South Africa – South African Airways (SAA) has announced the launch of a new route to Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), starting on November 1, 2024. The airline will operate five flights per week between Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Lubumbashi International Airport.
Lubumbashi, the second-largest city and mining capital of the DRC, is a crucial economic hub in the region. As the top copper producer in Africa and the fourth-largest globally, it plays a vital role in the country’s mining industry. Additionally, the city is a key point in the Lobito Railroad Corridor, a transportation route that carries mining products to the Atlantic port of Lobito.
With the growing global demand for electric vehicles, the importance of the Lobito Railroad Corridor and Lubumbashi as an economic hub is steadily increasing. The new SAA route aims to capitalize on this growing demand and strengthen trade ties between South Africa and the DRC.
The launch of this new service marks a significant expansion of SAA’s African network, further solidifying its position as a leading airline on the continent.
