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Etihad latest Gulf carrier to eye South African opportunity

Etihad Airways is resuming flights to South Africa including a connection to Cape Town, in the latest sign of returning connectivity between Gulf states and the country. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier, which served Johannesburg prior to the pandemic, will from November resume services to the South African city. It will also fly an onward connection to Cape Town. It will operate the route thrice weekly from 25 November using 290-seat, three-class configured Boeing 787-9s. Cape Town was previously served between 2009 and 2012. Etihad will also from 26 November start three weekly flights to the Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar, deploying 158-seat Airbus A320s on the route. It marks the first time the carrier has served Zanzibar. Etihad group CE Tony Douglas says: ”Johannesburg is an important route on our network and offers vital connectivity to and from the southern African region. On the southern coast, Cape Town is a breathtaking part of the world, with something to offer the most discerning traveller. Likewise, the beautiful island of Zanzibar will complement our network to the Maldives and Seychelles.”<br/>