Air Europa will launch a new flight between Johannesburg, South Africa and Madrid, Spain on 24 June 2026.
The airline said that the flight will connect South Africa’s financial hub to Madrid-Barajas with three weekly frequencies.
The new flight forms part of Air Europa’s plan to expand internationally, adding new destinations that grow its customer offerings.
Flights from OR Tambo Airport will depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 03:10 in the morning.
Flights to OR Tambo Airport will depart Madrid every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 15:05. Flights will operate via the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
Air Europa said that the aircraft is one of the most advanced and efficient in its category, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 25%.
It is also designed to make flying a more comfortable experience, with a spacious, soundproofed cabin, 30% larger windows, and an advanced ventilation system that helps reduce fatigue.
The aircraft also features the airline’s exclusive Business Class, with seats that convert into two-metre-long beds, and an onboard dining offering created by acclaimed chef Martín Berasategui.
The airline said the route offers a host of options for European travellers, with Johannesburg as the continent’s central air hub, providing easy access to destinations such as Namibia and Botswana.
Thanks to its role as a business centre, Johannesburg is also seen as a key reference point for business travellers, especially in sectors like infrastructure, mining, energy, and financial services.
South Africa’s vast scenic and natural wealth also continues to attract tourists from around the world.
Air Europa will also add new destinations on the African continent in 2026, including flights to Marrakech, Tunis and Tangier.
New international flights
This is not the only international flight coming to South Africa, with regional player Airlink looking to expand its network.
The airline plans to add a new route to Nacala, Mozambique, with flights running Mondays to Fridays between Johannesburg and Nacala.
Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the new route will create valuable new travel and trade opportunities by providing improved access to a region seeing increased commercial and tourism activity.
The service, which will start in February, will operate using the carrier’s Embraer regional jets, aircraft known for their quietness, efficiency, and suitability for shorter cross-border routes.
Airlink is also opening a new leisure-focused link to Zanzibar in June, with the route operated via the airline’s latest fleet addition, the Embraer E195-E2.
This new plane is a next-gen jet that has improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a more comfortable cabin.
Flights between Europe and South Africa remain in high demand. Case in point is German leisure carrier Condor extending its seasonal Frankfurt–Cape Town flights.
These flights were supposed to end in April 2026, but will now run until 22 May 2026. The decision follows heightened demand among travellers.
Travellers are seeking South Africa’s late-autumn sunshine while Europe is still firmly in spring. It is an example of travellers looking beyond the traditional summer peak for holidays.
Air Europa Images
