Johannesburg Airport: new air routes and network expansion in 2026
A leading air hub in Africa
O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (JNB) is more than ever asserting itself as the main air hub on the African continent. With 47 airlines operating flights to 80 airports around the world, the platform plays an essential role in the air connectivity of Southern Africa and beyond. This density of routes makes JNB an unmissable transit point for travellers from Europe, Asia, the Americas and the rest of Africa.
The 2025-2026 period has been particularly eventful with new route announcements and the resumption of historic services. Several leading airlines have chosen Johannesburg to expand their network, reflecting the growing attractiveness of South Africa as a destination and the vigorous recovery of air traffic after years of disruption.
Major route launches in 2025-2026
Among the headline events, Qantas relaunched its direct service between Johannesburg and Perth in December 2025, re-establishing a strategic air corridor between Africa and Oceania. This route, eagerly awaited by business communities and diasporas on both continents, considerably strengthens the intercontinental connectivity of JNB. The flight, operated on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offers optimal comfort on this long-haul service.
South African Airways (SAA) also marked its return to the regional scene by relaunching the Johannesburg-Gaborone service in November 2025, facilitating commercial and diplomatic exchanges between South Africa and Botswana. Meanwhile, Airlink inaugurated a new route between Johannesburg and Nacala in Mozambique in February 2026, opening direct access to northern Mozambique, a region experiencing a tourism boom thanks to its pristine beaches and natural parks.
Outlook: Zanzibar and beyond
The expansion of JNB's network does not stop there. A new service to Zanzibar is planned for June 2026, responding to the growing demand from South African and international travellers for this Indian Ocean paradise. This seasonal route is expected to prove highly popular with tourists seeking beaches and Swahili culture, and will complement the existing offering to East Africa.
With these new routes, Johannesburg airport confirms its ambition to connect South Africa to the rest of the world ever more effectively. Travellers transiting through JNB benefit from an ever-wider choice of destinations, now covering every continent. This diversification makes the airport a true gateway to Africa and beyond, reinforcing its status as an essential hub for air traffic on the continent.