A new direct flight operated by TAP is scheduled to start operating between Cape Town and Lisbon in November. The seasonal flights will operate three times a week until the end of March 2021.

The first flight is scheduled for November 11, according to Wesgro Air Access Project Manager, Paul van den Brink. He told Tourism Update that introduction of the flight was justified by the increase in passengers from Portugal to Cape Town over the last two years.

TAP Air Portugal already flies to Angola and Mozambique in Southern Africa.

“Connectivity forms part of our strategy to connect Cape Town with key destinations in Africa and globally to stimulate and increase travel and trade, for the benefit of our residents,” said  City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, James Vos.  

“It’s good for Cape Town as we do not have direct connectivity to Southern Europe as of yet.” Van den Brink said the route also offered good connectivity to North Africa, North America and Brazil. 

“Brazil is a fast-growing market for Cape Town,” said Van den Brink, highlighting that while there are no direct flights between São Paulo and Cape Town, TAP serviced several cities in Brazil.

“While the tourism sector has been hit very hard due to the lockdown measures in South Africa and globally, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” said Vos.

He added that his department would continue to assist business through the COVID-19 crisis, “so they are ready to welcome back tourists and trade once we emerge”.