SAA returns to local skies, eyes growth
Kabelo Boranabi | Sunday November 9, 2025 12:30
The inaugural flight landed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport to a warm welcome from aviation officials, diplomats, and members of the business community.
Speaking to journalists after the launch of the new services, SAA Group Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola, described the new flight as a strategic move to meet strong market demand and strengthen regional connectivity.
“We relaunched this route because of the market dynamics and demand,” Lamola told BusinessWeek. “Our study shows there is still a lot of business and leisure travel between the two countries, and that has motivated us to return.”
Lamola added that SAA’s focus goes beyond commercial operations. He said SAA is eyeing an expansion in the continental market and also wanted to boost the regional air transport space.
Whilst the the airline is currently offering introductory promotional fares to reintroduce its product to travellers in Botswana, Lamola noted that SAA must remain competitive not only against other airlines but also against road transport between Gaborone and Johannesburg.
“We have to make sure we are properly priced and offering value to passengers,” he told BusinessWeek.
Looking ahead, Lamola revealed that Cape Town is being developed as a growing hub for SAA’s African network, with a new Mauritius–Cape Town route set to launch in December. He also confirmed that SAA is in talks with Air Botswana to establish a codeshare agreement, allowing passengers to travel seamlessly on one ticket between Johannesburg, Gaborone, and domestic destinations such as Maun and Kasane.
Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) Chief Executive Officer, Bao Mosinyi, welcomed SAA’s return, saying it aligns with Botswana’s broader efforts to improve air access and economic transformation.
“We are intentional as a country about strengthening our aviation sector. Economic progress must be supported by strong connectivity,” Mosinyi said.
He pointed to the Botswana Air Access Initiative, a partnership involving the Hospitality and Travel Association of Botswana, the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, and the Botswana Tourism Organisation as well as Business Botswana, which seeks to attract new airlines and investment.
“We want to improve connectivity not just through competition, but collaboration. Every new airline that lands here adds another link in connecting Botswana better than before,” he said.
For his part, International Relations minister, Phenyo Butale, commended SAA’s re-entry, describing it as a reflection of the enduring ties between Botswana and South Africa.
“This launch marks not only the expansion of an airline network but also the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between our two sister countries,” he said.
He stressed the importance of aviation in promoting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange across the continent.
“Reliable air connectivity is key to Africa’s growth. We cannot talk about the African Continental Free Trade Area if it remains difficult to travel within the continent,” he said.
Butale expressed confidence that SAA’s return would enhance opportunities for business and tourism whilst strengthening regional cooperation.
“May this route stand as a symbol of unity, friendship, and opportunity between our two countries,” he said.