South African Airways (SAA) has announced plans to launch direct flights from Accra to the United States by the end of 2026, as part of its broader West African expansion strategy.

The Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, Professor John Lamola, made the disclosure during a dinner with Ghana’s travel trade and media in Accra on Monday, April 8.

He noted that Accra remains one of the most strategic hubs for SAA in West Africa.

“We are evaluating the possibility of starting a route directly between Ghana and Cape Town, as well as utilizing Accra, like SAA has done before, as a connector to our east coast of the United States cities,” Prof. Lamola said.

“Certainly, before the end of the next calendar year. It takes a long time, unfortunately, to launch a route, because of the regulatory processes, but our biggest challenge that we have in SAA, like other airlines is the availability of aircraft. "

He acknowledged the regulatory hurdles involved in launching a new route but stressed that the biggest challenge currently facing SAA—and the aviation industry at large—is access to aircraft following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As soon as we get aircrafts, we have done our studies, we will want to start flying to the United States east coast from Accra.”

This, he said, will increase SAA's flights per week between Johannesburg and Accra to a daily service.

He disclosed that discussions with Ghana’s Minister for Transport have already taken place on deepening this partnership and enhancing connectivity between the two nations.

Prof Lamola emphasized that SAA is now emerging as a revitalized and financially stable national carrier.

“We have restructured South African Airways to where it is fairly financially sustainable, and the biggest success for us is the manner in which SAA has been embraced by the continent of Africa as a reliable mode of air transport,” he said, highlighting the airline’s impeccable safety record and renewed mission to reclaim its status as a leading global brand.

He also praised Ghana’s rich political and cultural heritage and expressed appreciation for the admiration Ghanaians receive in South Africa.