A South African Airways flight touched down in Gqeberha on Wednesday for the first time in three years as the airline emerges from bankruptcy, bailouts, and business rescue.
The national carrier said it would operate two daily flights between the Metro and Johannesburg until March.
"The Gqeberha route is a special seasonal route and forms part of SAA’s plans to continue expanding its routes in the months to come. It aims to provide customers with greater options and more seamless travel during the peak festive season," SAA said in a statement.
The first passengers to arrive on Wednesday from Johannesburg received the red-carpet treatment at the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport where they were welcomed with singing and dancing, as the City welcomed back the national carrier,
NMB destination marketing manager Lisa Thole says the plan is for a long-term partnership.
"We truly hope that SAA extends its time with Gqeberha so that we can have confidence from other airlines," she said.
The CEO of the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, Vuyani Dayimani, said the decision by SAA will have a positive impact on economic development in the country.
