First U.S. carrier to operate between Cape Town and North America
Since 2019, United has operated over 1,500 flights, carrying over 345,000 passengers and 2,000 tonnes of cargo between Cape Town and its hubs at New York/Newark and Washington D.C.
By Chibuike Eze
United Airlines is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its non-stop flights between Cape Town and its New York/Newark hub, Newark Liberty International Airport. United was the first U.S. carrier to operate flights between Cape Town and North America and since 2019, the airline has carried over 345,000 customers and 2,000 tonnes of cargo on over 1,500 flights between Cape Town and its New York/Newark and Washington D.C. hubs.
United launched its Cape Town to New York/Newark route in December 2019 as a summer seasonal service and subsequently expanded in 2021 to a year-round service. United further expanded its South Africa route network with the introduction of year-round flights from Johannesburg to New York/Newark in 2021 and year-round flights between Cape Town and Washington D.C. in 2022.
“We are proud to mark the fifth anniversary of our Cape Town to New York/Newark service,” said Amit Badiani, Head of Africa and Offline Sales, United Airlines. “As well as providing a convenient connection to the U.S. for travellers from the Western Cape, our popular service allows U.S. travellers to easily reach Cape Town, which is consistently ranked among the world’s top travel destinations. Through our codeshare partner, Airlink, and its hubs in Cape Town and Johannesburg, we have increased connectivity to numerous destinations in Southern and Eastern Africa.”
“As the first U.S. airline to operate direct flights to Cape Town, United Airlines has catalysed tourism and trade between the Western Cape and North America,” said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, the provincial agency for tourism, trade, and investment promotion that powers the Cape Town Air Access catalytic project. “This success is underscored by the remarkable growth in passenger numbers, with North American two-way traffic increasing by 57% between 2022 and 2023, reaching nearly 450,000 passengers. We proudly congratulate United on the 5th anniversary of the Newark-Cape Town route, a milestone achieved through the dedication of both the Cape Town Air Access and United Airlines International Network teams. We also thank our Cape Town Air Access partners, including the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, Airports Company South Africa, South African Tourism, Cape Town Tourism, and our private sector partners, V&A Waterfront, DHL and Investec, for their ongoing support for this impactful initiative.”
“Marking the fifth anniversary of the Cape Town–New York route is a proud moment,” said James Vos, City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth. “I was there when the very first flight landed, and I’ve personally flown this route, witnessing its importance firsthand. My mission remains to strengthen and expand these connections, ensuring they drive both travel and trade. Aviation is critical to Cape Town’s economy – every 100 international arrivals create two jobs. That’s why we must continue working hard to keep these aeroplanes in the skies above us, filled with passengers who spend in our local economy and cargo that strengthens our trade connections. These routes are not just flights; they are lifelines for economic growth and opportunity. I wish United Airlines everything of the best for the future, with plenty of tailwinds, as they continue to keep our cities and countries united.”
“United’s flights have helped to put Cape Town on the map in the US market and we have seen a steady rise in the number of visitors we are welcoming to the region,” said Shaheed Regal, Acting Regional General Manager Cape Town International Airport Cluster, ACSA. “The first experience of the city and South Africa, is at our friendly, efficient and award-winning Cape Town International Airport.”