Cape Town Air Access, powered by Wesgro – the tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape – welcomes LATAM Airlines’ announcement of a new direct service between São Paulo (GRU) and Cape Town (CPT).
Beginning in September 2026, LATAM will introduce three flights per week to Cape Town, marking the first South American carrier operating direct flights to the Mother City and further strengthening the Western Cape’s international connectivity.
This development reflects the growing demand in connectivity between the regions. In 2025, two-way passengers between Cape Town and South America grew by 8% year-to-date, reaching 41,000 travellers between January and August. Passenger volumes are expected to return to 2019 levels by the end of 2025, just under 70,000 two-way passengers.
Commenting on the development, Wesgro CEO and official spokesperson of Cape Town Air Access, Wrenelle Stander, said: “We are excited to welcome LATAM Airlines to Cape Town. This milestone directly supports our strategy to unlock access to high-growth markets, including Brazil. As we continue expanding Cape Town’s global reach, this direct service will open new and exciting opportunities for trade, investment and tourism, driving meaningful economic impact for the region.”
Operated on the modern Boeing 787-9 aircraft, the service will provide travellers with an efficient and comfortable long-haul experience. The direct link between South America and Cape Town is set to create significant opportunities for tourism, trade and investment, while further underscoring the province’s growing appeal as a world-class business and leisure destination.
Dr Ivan Meyer, Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, emphasised the importance of the new route: “This connection is a major milestone for the Western Cape. It will boost tourism, expand trade opportunities and attract investment, while strengthening the province’s position as a globally connected destination for both business and leisure.”
Cape Town is among the new destinations announced as part of LATAM’s network expansion to over 60 airports in Brazil, with additional international routes confirmed to South Africa, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, also added: “This announcement has me genuinely excited. On a previous trade mission to São Paulo, I met with the LATAM team about exactly this kind of connection, and now it’s becoming a reality. Moments like this show why we work so hard to open new routes. This direct service is a real game-changer for Cape Town. It creates a south-to-south travel and trade corridor that brings in more tourists, boosts commerce, strengthens cultural ties, and unlocks new opportunities for our people. It gives local businesses a foothold in global markets, supports jobs, and makes Cape Town even more competitive globally. And a big shout-out to the Air Access partnership for the behind-the-scenes work that makes wins like this possible. Get ready for the Dreamliner touching down in the Mother City!”
Cape Town Air Access, powered by Wesgro, remains committed to expanding Cape Town and the Western Cape’s global connectivity and driving sustainable economic growth, with developments such as this playing a key role in achieving that goal.
-ends-
19 November 2025