Cape Town Air Access, powered by Wesgro, and in partnership with LATAM Airlines, marked a significant milestone on 2 July 2026 with the successful arrival of LATAM’s inaugural direct flight from São Paulo to Cape Town.
The new route was welcomed as a significant boost for tourism, trade and investment flows between the province and Latin America, further reinforcing Cape Town and the Western Cape’s growing position within global aviation networks.
In 2025, more than 42,000 two-way passengers travelled directly between São Paulo and Cape Town, while over 61,000 passengers travelled between South America and Cape Town via various connecting hubs, highlighting significant unmet demand for enhanced direct connectivity.
The inaugural service was received at Cape Town International Airport, where government representatives, aviation stakeholders and airline executives gathered to mark the occasion and receive the first arrival.
Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander welcomed the milestone and highlighted region’s ongoing drive to deepen global connectivity, noting: “Today's inaugural flight is the culmination of years of strategic engagement through Cape Town Air Access with LATAM Airlines to demonstrate the long-term opportunity that exists between our regions. Expanding direct air connectivity is central to Wesgro's mission of growing tourism, trade and investment, and this new service strengthens Cape Town and the Western Cape's links to Brazil, Latin America and beyond through LATAM's extensive network.”
Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer highlighted the broader economic impact of the route, stating: “Improved air access remains a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the Western Cape. Research shows that every 100 international passengers travelling to the province support approximately two local jobs, while every 100 visitors from South America generate around R1.67 million in foreign direct spend. This new route will help unlock new tourism opportunities, support exporters and strengthen the Western Cape's competitiveness in the global economy.”
Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth Alderman James Vos welcomed the announcement, saying: “Growing Cape Town’s air connectivity is a priority because it strengthens our city’s competitiveness as a destination for tourism, business and investment. During my visit to São Paulo, I met with tourism operators, promoted Cape Town, and saw the tremendous potential of the Brazilian market. This new LATAM service not only expands travel choices but also establishes the South-to-South travel and trade corridor that I have long wanted to see, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and jobs. It also reflects the success of the City’s continued partnership with Cape Town Air Access in securing routes that deliver long-term economic benefits.”
The route also builds on growing tourism demand. Between January and May 2026, visitor arrivals from South and Central America to Cape Town increased by 4% year-on-year, with arrivals from Brazil growing by 12%, reflecting continued momentum in this important market.
The new service strengthens opportunities for both tourism and trade. Cape Town International Airport's air cargo volumes have grown from 56,000 tonnes to 98,000 tonnes over the past decade, while Africa's air cargo trade with Latin America has more than doubled over the same period, creating greater opportunities for exporters.
Through LATAM's São Paulo hub, travellers gain seamless access to destinations across Latin America and convenient onward connections to Florida, Cape Town's largest United States market. The additional service also provides greater choice and capacity while supporting Cape Town's long-term ambition of becoming a strategic gateway between South America, Southern Africa and key markets in Western Australia and Southeast Asia.
Cape Town Air Access and LATAM Airlines reaffirm their commitment to expanding strategic air routes that drive economic growth, strengthen international partnerships and further enhance Cape Town and the Western Cape's global connectivity.
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About Cape Town Air Access
Cape Town Air Access is a public–private partnership initiative led by Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. The initiative is dedicated to growing air connectivity to Cape Town International Airport by attracting new direct routes and increasing flight frequencies. Through collaboration with industry and government partners, Cape Town Air Access plays a key role in driving tourism growth, trade facilitation and investment into the region.