After a 20-month absence from the South African market, Qantas has released the news that its first flight from Johannesburg to Sydney will take place on Thursday, January 6.

Michi Messner, Regional Manager Africa, said she was excited to share this news and looked forward to welcoming the airline’s customers back on board.

Messner said there would be three return flights a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. She also pointed out that in line with Australian Federal Government Regulations, no tourists would be carried, and passengers departing South Africa would be limited to Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families and parents, plus eligible visa-holders.

Passengers aged 12 years or older are required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine (unless they have an exemption).