Delta Air Lines has submitted a request to adjust its flight schedules between the United States and South Africa due to the sheer popularity of the route in peak tourist season. The airline has reported a high demand for flights to Cape Town, which is somewhat unsurprising with temperatures soaring in Cape Town while North America is being hit by one of the harshest winters on record. The airline is seeking approval to shift two of its weekly Airbus A350 flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Cape Town (CPT). If granted, this change would increase Delta’s weekly service to Cape Town, offering five flights per week between Atlanta, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.
Cape Town has become one of the Most In-Demand Routes
Delta has been operating daily services between Atlanta and Johannesburg since 2022 and added three extra weekly flights to South Africa’s western coast to accommodate the growing demand. However, with Cape Town becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, the airline has faced challenges meeting the rising demand for travel to the city. According to industry reports, the Mother City is experiencing a surge in interest from international travellers, particularly from the United States, during the peak season, prompting Delta to seek greater flexibility in its scheduling.
Currently, Delta operates a combination of flights to both Johannesburg and Cape Town, with the majority of its passengers travelling to Johannesburg. However, with Cape Town’s growing tourist numbers, Delta has recognised the need to adjust its offerings to better accommodate passengers wishing to explore the city’s picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-class wine regions.
In addition to Delta’s request, other major U.S. airlines are also eyeing opportunities to adjust their services to South Africa. United Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance, is reportedly seeking to add more weekly flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Cape Town, while also reducing its service to Johannesburg from daily flights to six per week during the Cape Town peak season. The airline has also requested approval to operate a Newark-Johannesburg-Cape Town routing, if necessary, to accommodate the seasonal demand for flights to both cities.
This Comes As Delta Airways Has Been Dominating Headlines
Delta’s push to increase its flights to Cape Town comes at a time when the airline has been involved in a recent aviation incident. On February 17, 2025, a Delta flight crashed and flipped upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The flight, which had departed from Minneapolis, was carrying 76 passengers and four crew members. Thankfully, all 80 people on board survived the crash, and the 21 passengers who were injured have since been released from the hospital.
The crash, which occurred during the plane’s landing, resulted in a fiery incident that saw the aircraft skidding off the runway and losing both its tail and one of its wings. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Delta has stated that the pilots involved in the incident were well-trained and met all federal certification requirements. The airline also emphasised that the crew members had no prior training failures, and the incident should not be attributed to any deficiencies in their skills or experience. In light of the crash, Delta has pledged to support the passengers who were on board the flight, offering them $30,000 in compensation. The airline has also assured the public that it is fully cooperating with investigators to determine the cause of the incident and ensure the safety of its operations moving forward.
As the investigations into the Toronto crash continue, Delta’s request for additional flights to Cape Town remains under consideration by the relevant aviation authorities. Should the airline’s proposal be approved, it would mark a significant step in Delta’s efforts to strengthen its position in the competitive South African market, while addressing the growing demand from U.S. travellers seeking to visit the vibrant city of Cape Town.
