United Airlines has applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for permission to fly three weekly nonstop flights between Washington, D.C., and Cape Town, South Africa.
If permitted, United claimed on May 18, 2022, this route will be the first nonstop service between Washington, D.C., and Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital.
United’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will begin service between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Cape Town (CPT) on November 17, 2022, according to the airline.
United expects that the new route will complement the airline’s current flights to four African destinations in three countries. CP is now served by United from Newark.
Customers will also be able to connect in Cape Town with its South African-based partner Airlink to other parts of South Africa and other nations in the African continent’s southern area.
Washington, DC has the fifth-largest population of South Africans born in the United States. According to the airline, it is also the second busiest point in the United States for Cape Town demand. As of 2019, there are approximately 85,000 South Africans living in the United States.
“From creating new jobs, to supporting key civic and aid organizations, United has taken tremendous pride in growing our family and operations in South Africa, and across the African continent,” United Airlines senior vice president of international network and alliances Patrick Quayle said in a statement.
“If awarded by the DOT, this historic nonstop service will significantly enhance travel options for consumers, strengthen ties between our countries legislative and diplomatic epicenters, and benefit thriving travel and tourism industries serving our respective countries.”
 for permission to fly three weekly){kind=link}