United Marks 5 Years of Flying Between Cape Town & New York

United Airlines is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its non-stop flights between Cape Town and its New York/Newark hub, Newark Liberty International Airport.  

United was the first U.S. carrier to operate flights between Cape Town and North America and since 2019, the airline has carried over 345,000 customers and 2,000 tonnes of cargo on over 1,500 flights between Cape Town and its New York/Newark and Washington D.C. hubs. 

United launched its Cape Town to New York/Newark route in December 2019 as a summer seasonal service and subsequently expanded in 2021 to a year-round service. United further expanded its South Africa route network with the introduction of year-round flights from Johannesburg to New York/Newark in 2021 and year-round flights between Cape Town and Washington D.C. in 2022.

“We are proud to mark the fifth anniversary of our Cape Town to New York/Newark service,” said Amit Badiani, Head of Africa and Offline Sales, United Airlines. “As well as providing a convenient connection to the U.S. for travellers from the Western Cape, our popular service allows U.S. travellers to easily reach Cape Town, which is consistently ranked among the world’s top travel destinations. Through our codeshare partner, Airlink, and its hubs in Cape Town and Johannesburg, we have increased connectivity to numerous destinations in Southern and Eastern Africa.”

“As the first U.S. airline to operate direct flights to Cape Town, United Airlines has catalysed tourism and trade between the Western Cape and North America,” said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, the provincial agency for tourism, trade, and investment promotion that powers the Cape Town Air Access catalytic project. “This success is underscored by the remarkable growth in passenger numbers, with North American two-way traffic increasing by 57% between 2022 and 2023, reaching nearly 450,000 passengers.  We proudly congratulate United on the 5th anniversary of the Newark-Cape Town route, a milestone achieved through the dedication of both the Cape Town Air Access and United Airlines International Network teams. We also thank our Cape Town Air Access partners, including the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, Airports Company South Africa, South African Tourism, Cape Town Tourism, and our private sector partners, V&A Waterfront, DHL and Investec, for their ongoing support for this impactful initiative.”

"Marking the fifth anniversary of the Cape Town–New York route is a proud moment,” said James Vos, City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth. “I was there when the very first flight landed, and I’ve personally flown this route, witnessing its importance firsthand. My mission remains to strengthen and expand these connections, ensuring they drive both travel and trade. Aviation is critical to Cape Town’s economy - every 100 international arrivals create two jobs. That’s why we must continue working hard to keep these aeroplanes in the skies above us, filled with passengers who spend in our local economy and cargo that strengthens our trade connections. These routes are not just flights; they are lifelines for economic growth and opportunity. I wish United Airlines everything of the best for the future, with plenty of tailwinds, as they continue to keep our cities and countries united.”

"United’s flights have helped to put Cape Town on the map in the US market and we have seen a steady rise in the number of visitors we are welcoming to the region,” said Shaheed Regal, Acting Regional General Manager Cape Town International Airport Cluster, ACSA. “The first experience of the city and South Africa, is at our friendly, efficient and award-winning Cape Town International Airport.” 

All times are local and are subject to change.

United in South Africa

United has served South Africa since 2019. In addition to the three-times weekly nonstop service from Cape Town to New York/Newark, United offers customers from South Africa three-times weekly nonstop flights from Cape Town to Washington D.C. and daily nonstop flights from Johannesburg to New York/Newark. Flights are conveniently timed to connect at United’s hubs with an extensive network of services to destinations throughout the Americas. United customers in South Africa can book flights by visiting united.com or contacting the United Reservations on 0214268058 or their travel agent.

United in Africa

In addition to Cape Town and Johannesburg, United also flies from Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria and recently added Marrakesh, Morocco to its expanding network of African destinations. From May 2025, United will also operate service from Dakar, Senegal.

The United Travel Experience

United’s services from South Africa are operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring a total of 257 seats – 48 all-aisle-access flatbed seats in United PolarisSM business class, 21 United Premium PlusSM and 188 in economy, including 39 Economy PlusSM seats with added legroom and increased personal space.

The revolutionary design of the Dreamliner offers customers many features for increased comfort such as large windows, spacious overhead storage and modern LED lighting to simulate a full day, helping passengers adjust their internal clock on the long-haul flight. In addition, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and smoother ride help customers feel rested on arrival.

United Polaris business class is a premium travel experience that prioritises relaxation and comfort, featuring quality inflight dining, premium amenity kits and full flat-bed seats.

United Premium Plus features a spacious seat with more legroom, elbow room and recline than a standard Economy Plus or economy seat, as well as an amenity kit, Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and plush pillow.

United Economy Plus offers added legroom and increased personal space. Located near the front of the economy cabin, the seats give the added benefit of a swifter exit from the plane on arrival. Economy Plus seating is available on all trans-Atlantic flights.

United economy offers complimentary food, soft drinks, juices, beer and wine, tea, coffee and inflight entertainment. On most aircraft, seats feature an adjustable headrest and a personal on-demand entertainment system.