Qatar Airways will resume both inbound and outbound services to Cape Town and Johannesburg from Sunday, December 12, still in time for the holiday season.

The airline continued operating after Omicron-related international travel bans were slapped on traffic originating from Southern African countries but could not accommodate departing South African travellers.

But now, QR is back, and the airline will fly a double-daily service between Johannesburg and Doha and a daily service between Cape Town and Doha. It says it will operate Boeing 777 aircraft on both routes.

Departing South African customers who had to amend their travel plans as a result of the travel regulations can now be rebooked on these flights.

Qatar Airways Vice-President Africa, Hendrik du Preez, said: “Qatar Airways has worked diligently throughout the pandemic to keep flying within the ever-changing regulations across the globe and it is particularly gratifying to once again be able to carry our South African customers to visit family and friends over the festive period, or to enjoy a well-earned break. We also know how important tourism is to South Africa and hope this will encourage more people to visit South Africa over the summer season.”

QR’s Doha hub is well known for its excellent connectivity.