South African Airways (SAA) will launch a new service, offering daily flights from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, beginning November 1.
Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the DRC and its mining capital, is a significant base for many of the country's major mining companies.
It holds the title of Africa's top copper producer and is the fourth largest copper producer globally. Additionally, the city produces half of the world's cobalt, primarily sourced from Katanga Province.
The city is a crucial link in the Lobito Railroad Corridor, which transports mining products from the interior to the Atlantic port of Lobito in Angola.
With the increasing global demand for and production of electric vehicles, the importance of this corridor is growing, further establishing Lubumbashi as an economic hub for the DRC.
"Our new route to Lubumbashi opens up exciting opportunities for both business and leisure travellers, strengthening our network in Africa," said SAA's GM of Sales Marketing Distribution and E-Commerce, Carla da Silva, told Travel News.
"Connecting to Lubumbashi supports economic growth and fosters stronger business ties between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With our direct flights to Lubumbashi, passengers can now enjoy more accessible travel options to this vibrant city."
Located in the south-east of the DRC, near the border with Zambia, Lubumbashi is poised to become even more accessible with this new route, enhancing its connectivity and economic significance.
The flight schedule will be as follows:
- Departures from OR Tambo International: Monday to Friday at 10:50, arriving at Lubumbashi International at 13:20.
- Departures from Lubumbashi: Monday to Friday at 14:20, arriving at OR Tambo International at 17:15.
IOL Travel