Direct flights from Perth Airport to Johannesburg to return in April

Direct flights to Johannesburg will return in April for the first time since COVID with Perth passengers hoping to get overseas soon having a second non-stop option to Bangkok.

The restart is also good news for the State’s tourism industry with South African Airways running the 11-hour flight three days a week, meaning 40,000 more people will be landing in Perth each year.

The Johannesburg service is the 19th direct international flight into Perth that has been relaunched or secured since international travel resumed.

Thai Airways also announced Tuesday it was restarting daily direct flights to Bangkok, starting from March 27. Last year Jetstar announced its service to the Thai capital would begin later in 2024.

Acting Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said the Johannesburg service was especially significant for the 49,000 WA locals born in South Africa -- the fourth largest migrant group in the State.

“We have a large and very proud South African community here in WA, and I have no doubt they will warmly welcome this announcement,” Mr Whitby said.

“I certainly encourage people with family and friends back in South Africa to share this great news and get them to start booking their tickets to Perth.”

Perth Airport chief aviation officer Kate Holsgrove said once flights resumed in April, the airport would work with South African Airways with the aim of building back to daily flights.

Australia received 58,000 visitors from South Africa before COVID, with a third of them coming to WA.

South African visitors to WA stay an average of 40 nights and contributed $28 million to the State’s economy in the 12 months up to September 2023.

Ms Holsgrove said Thai Airways’ service -- which will offer more than 93,000 inbound seats to Perth each year -- was a positive sign for tourism, international student and export growth in 2024.

“With Thailand being Western Australia’s eighth largest trading partner and a significant market for international students, the resumption of non-stop flights provides a massive opportunity for both our economies,” she said.

To book a flight or for more information visit flysaa.com or thaiairways.com.