South Africa: LATAM Airlines’ inaugural direct flight from São Paulo boosted the connectivity by creating a new direct link between Cape Town, the Western Cape and Brazil. The inaugural flight arrived on Thursday, July 02, 2026.
The service was facilitated through the collaborative efforts of Cape Town Air Access, that is powered by Wesgro. This new route strengthens connectivity between two key markets and unlocks new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.
According to the information, the service will operate three times in a week between Cape Town and São Paulo, making it easier for travellers and businesses to connect across the South Atlantic.
Arrival of the inaugural flight was celebrated at Cape Town International Airport alongside airline executives, government representatives and industry stakeholders. It highlighted the value of partnerships in growing air access and driving economic impact.
Considering this, Cape Town continues to strengthen its position as a leading gateway to Africa. It enhanced connectivity that remained a key enabler of economic growth, job creation and international market access. The official delegates thanked Cape Town Air Access partners, the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism, ACSA and South African Tourism for their contribution to this important milestone.
Wesgro CEO – Wrenelle Stander welcomed the milestone and highlighted the ongoing drive of the region to deepen global connectivity. She noted that, “The inaugural flight is the culmination of years of strategic engagement through Cape Town Air Access with LATAM Airlines to demonstrate the long-term opportunity that exists between the regions.”
According to Stander, expanding direct air connectivity is central to Wesgro’s mission of growing tourism, trade and investment. And this new service strengthens Cape Town and the Western Cape’s links to Brazil, Latin America and beyond through LATAM’s extensive network.
Growing Global Aviation Networks
The new route was welcomed as a significant boost for tourism, trade and investment that flows between the province and Latin America. It further reinforced Cape Town and the Western Cape’s growing position within the global aviation networks.
In 2025, over 42,000 two-way passengers travelled directly between São Paulo and Cape Town. While over 61,000 passengers travelled between South America and Cape Town via various connecting hubs. This highlighted significant unmet demand for enhanced direct connectivity.
Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism – Dr. Ivan Meyer highlighted the broader economic impact of the route. He stated that the improved air access remains a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the Western Cape.
Meyer added that the research shows that every 100 international passengers travelling to the province, support approximately two local jobs. While every 100 visitors from South America generate around R1.67 million in foreign direct spend. This new route will help in unlocking new tourism opportunities, support exporters and strengthen the Western Cape’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Strengthens Tourism and Trade
The newly launched route is built on growing tourism demand. As between January and May 2026, visitor arrivals from South and Central America to Cape Town increased by 4% year-on-year. Along with arrivals from Brazil growing by 12% that reflected continued momentum in this important market.
This new service strengthens opportunities for both tourism and trade. In comparison, Cape Town International Airport’s air cargo volumes have grown from 56,000 tonnes to 98,000 tonnes over the past decade. While Africa’s air cargo trade with Latin America has gone doubled over the same period, which created greater opportunities for exporters.
Through LATAM’s São Paulo hub, travellers gained seamless access to destinations across Latin America and convenient onward connections to Florida and Cape Town’s largest United States market. The additional service also provides greater choice and capacity while supporting Cape Town’s long-term ambition of becoming a strategic gateway between South America, Southern Africa and key markets in Western Australia and Southeast Asia.
Cape Town Air Access and LATAM Airlines reaffirmed their commitment to expand strategic air routes that drive economic growth, strengthen international partnerships and further enhance Cape Town and the Western Cape’s global connectivity.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth and Tourism – Alderman James Vos welcomed the announcement and stated that growing Cape Town’s air connectivity is a priority because it strengthens the city’s competitiveness as a destination for tourism, business and investment.
During his visit to São Paulo, he met with tourism operators, who promoted Cape Town, and saw the tremendous potential of the Brazilian market. This new LATAM service expanded travel choices and also established the South-to-South travel and trade corridor.
Alderman Vos wanted to see, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and jobs. It also reflected the success of the City’s continued partnership with Cape Town Air Access in securing routes that deliver long-term economic benefits.