Air India is moving towards a possible return to South Africa, with the Indian carrier seeking regulatory approval to operate flights between the two countries.

The Department of Transport has confirmed that Air India has been designated to operate air services between India and South Africa, with its application for a Foreign Operator Permit under consideration. The development follows renewed efforts by the South African government to restore direct air links with India.

No launch date has been announced, and Air India has yet to confirm which South African airport it intends to serve. The proposed return remains subject to the regulatory process.

 A Route Absent Since 2015

South African Airways was the last airline to operate a direct scheduled service between the two countries, flying between Johannesburg and Mumbai before the route was discontinued in 2015. Since then, passengers travelling between South Africa and India have generally had to connect through international hubs, including Dubai and Doha.

Air India’s potential return would restore a direct option for passengers travelling between the two markets. However, the commercial viability of a service will depend on factors such as demand, fares, aircraft availability and the airline’s proposed schedule.

Johannesburg–Mumbai would be a possible route given the previous connection, but neither the Department of Transport nor Air India has confirmed that it will be reinstated.

Ramaphosa Raises Direct Flights at BRICS

The push to restore the connection was raised by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit in September.

In his weekly newsletter, From the Desk of the President, published after the summit on 14 September, Ramaphosa said South Africa was keen to restore direct flights between the two countries. He linked improved air connectivity to efforts to deepen trade, investment and business ties, pointing to the potential for South African and Indian businesses to strengthen their commercial relationships.

The President’s comments came as South Africa sought to expand economic cooperation with India, including through investment in infrastructure, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and technology. Air India’s permit application provides a development following those calls. However, the designation of an airline to operate services does not mean flights can begin immediately, with the necessary regulatory approvals still to be completed.

 Tourism Market Under Pressure

The proposed service follows as South Africa continues to pursue more visitors from India, an important long-haul tourism market.

Statistics South Africa recorded 34,048 tourist arrivals from India between January and August 2026, down 29.8% from 48,494 during the same period last year. The figures point to a significant decline in arrivals, although the absence of a direct route alone cannot explain the reduction.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille had already described a direct flight between India and South Africa as imminent during remarks at the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit in October.

Her comments indicated that improving air connectivity remained a priority in efforts to attract more Indian visitors.

A direct service could make travel more convenient for Indian tourists visiting South Africa, while giving South African travellers another option when travelling to India. Business passengers could also benefit from reduced reliance on connecting flights, particularly those travelling between the countries for trade and investment. 

What Happens Next?

Air India’s Foreign Operator Permit application is the next major development to watch. The Department of Transport has confirmed that it remains under consideration, but details surrounding the intended route, operating frequency, aircraft type and launch date have not been announced.

The return of direct flights would restore a long-missing connection between South Africa and Asia. South Africa‘s has direct yet limited access to key Asian hubs. This limited connectivity means travellers rely on layovers through alternate major hubs such as Dubai or Addis Ababa.

The next step will be a decision on the permit, followed by an announcement from the airline on its intended operations.