Cheap International Flights from South Africa: Book Online with Travelwings

Overview: This page helps South African travellers find and book cheap international flights from South Africa to popular destinations worldwide — covering the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), the United Kingdom (London), regional African hubs (Harare, Bulawayo, Gaborone, Eswatini, Lagos, and Accra), Turkey (Istanbul), and Asia (Bangkok, Phuket, Bali, and Hong Kong). Travelwings South Africa compares international flight tickets from leading carriers operating out of OR Tambo International (JNB), Cape Town International (CPT), and King Shaka International (DUR) — including Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and RwandAir. The page covers route-specific guidance for the most-flown corridors, a look at where South Africans travel most, the airlines serving these routes, how the fare lock facility works, and practical tips for booking the cheapest international airline tickets out of South Africa. For booking assistance, call +27 (0)12 006 0002 or email sa.care@travelwings.com.

Flying internationally from South Africa

South Africa is one of the best-connected departure points on the African continent. OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is Africa's busiest airport, handling more than 17 million passengers in the 2023/24 financial year and linking South African travellers to over 140 destinations across six continents on more than 40 international airlines. Cape Town International (CPT) has grown into an increasingly important long-haul gateway, while King Shaka International (DUR) in Durban and Lanseria (HLA) near Johannesburg add further choice for travellers comparing fares.

Whether you are planning a shopping trip to Dubai, a business journey to London, a family visit across Southern Africa, a beach holiday in Thailand or Bali, or a city break in Istanbul, this is your starting point for the best international flight deals from South Africa. With international airfares from South Africa rising sharply since 2023, comparing carriers and routes in one place has become the most reliable way to find genuinely cheap international flights — and that is exactly what Travelwings is built to do.

Why book international flights from South Africa with Travelwings?

Travelwings is a trusted online travel agency with more than 25 years of experience and over one million travellers served across a network spanning 32+ countries. When you book your international flight tickets from South Africa with Travelwings, you get:

• Real-time fare comparison: Compare international airfare deals from more than 1,000 airlines in a single search, so you find the best international flight deals without checking each carrier by hand.
• Transparent ZAR pricing: Every international airline ticket is shown in South African Rand including taxes, fuel surcharges, and government fees — the price you see is the price you pay, with no surprises at checkout.
• Secure online booking: Encrypted payment with major South African and international cards, plus instant e-ticket delivery by email.
• Exclusive flight deals: Newsletter subscribers receive private international airfare discounts and limited-time offers straight to their inbox.
• 24/7 customer support: Reach the Travelwings South Africa team any time on +27 (0)12 006 0002 or by email for help with bookings, changes, cancellations, and refunds.
• Every major carrier in one place: From Gulf mega-hub airlines and European flag carriers to African regional specialists, Travelwings consolidates international travel deals across the full range of airlines flying out of South Africa.

For South Africans searching the best flight booking website for international travel, Travelwings combines the depth of large-scale fare comparison with the reassurance of a locally accredited, ZAR-denominated service and a dedicated support team. Whether you fly internationally once a year or every month, the platform consistently surfaces the strongest fares for your route and dates.

South Africa to UAE: Johannesburg to Dubai flights

The United Arab Emirates is one of the most popular international destinations for South African travellers, with Dubai serving as the primary leisure, shopping, and business hub. Johannesburg to Dubai flights are operated as daily direct services by Emirates, frequently on the Airbus A380, making OR Tambo–Dubai one of the airport's highest-capacity long-haul routes. Dubai's year-round attractions — beaches, malls, theme parks, desert experiences, and a major global connecting hub for onward travel into Asia and Australia — keep demand strong throughout the year.

For travellers searching cheap flights to Dubai, fare patterns broadly follow the city's tourism seasons: November to March is peak (with the highest fares around the Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February), while the Gulf summer from May to September usually offers the best value as the heat reduces leisure demand. Emirates remains the most-booked Dubai option for South African travellers thanks to direct service, generous baggage allowances, and onward connectivity, but one-stop routings via Doha, Addis Ababa, or Nairobi can also deliver competitive fares when direct seats are tight.

South Africa to UK: Johannesburg to London flights

The South Africa–UK corridor is one of the most important long-haul routes from the country, carrying thousands of travellers each week for business, study, family visits, and tourism. London is the principal UK gateway, with direct daily services into London Heathrow operated by British Airways — often on the Airbus A380 — alongside Virgin Atlantic. Many travellers also reach the UK via one-stop connections through Doha, Dubai, Addis Ababa, and Istanbul, which can deliver more competitive London fares during off-peak periods.

For travellers searching the cheapest Johannesburg to London flights, the strongest fares typically appear outside the South African school holidays, with peak pricing around December, Easter, and the mid-year break. Booking six to ten weeks ahead, travelling mid-week, and using flexible date searches are the most dependable ways to keep the fare down on this route.

Regional Africa flights from Johannesburg: Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Nigeria and Ghana

South Africa's busiest international air corridors are, in fact, regional African ones. OR Tambo is the gateway to Southern Africa, and routes into neighbouring countries carry some of the highest weekly flight frequencies of any international services from Johannesburg — Johannesburg–Harare is consistently among the busiest international routes from the airport, served by several carriers with dozens of departures a week.

In Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is one of the highest-demand regional markets, driven by business travel, cross-border trade, and a large community with family on both sides of the border. The capital is the busiest gateway, and Travelwings compares every carrier on Johannesburg to Harare flights so you can weigh up frequency, timing, and price in one place.

Travellers heading to Zimbabwe's second city and the wider Matabeleland region have a more direct option than routing through the capital. Johannesburg to Bulawayo flights run less frequently than the Harare service, so booking earlier and keeping your dates flexible is the surest way to land a good fare.

Botswana is another core regional corridor from OR Tambo, with steady demand from the business, mining, and conservation-tourism sectors alongside cross-border family travel. Cheap flights to Gaborone are short and frequent enough to make a day or overnight business trip entirely practical.

Eswatini is also well connected to Johannesburg, with services into King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) near Manzini. The short hop suits leisure visitors heading to the kingdom's reserves and festivals as much as business travellers, and it links up conveniently with onward flights at OR Tambo.

Further afield, West Africa is reached on longer regional routes into the continent's major commercial hubs. Nigeria's largest city and economic engine is a key corridor for trade, diaspora, and business travel, and Travelwings compares the African network carriers operating cheap flights to Lagos from Johannesburg.

Ghana's capital is the other major West African gateway from South Africa, popular for business, conferences, and family visits across the region. Cheap flights to Accra are typically operated as direct or one-stop services, and comparing both in a single search usually reveals the best balance of price and travel time.

South Africa to Turkey: Johannesburg to Istanbul flights

Turkey has risen quickly as a destination for South African travellers, helped by direct service and straightforward entry for South African passport holders. Johannesburg to Istanbul flights are operated as daily services by Turkish Airlines, connecting South Africa to Istanbul's enormous network of more than 300 destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Caucasus. Istanbul works equally well as a destination in its own right — with its bazaars, mosques, and Bosphorus setting — and as a connecting hub for onward travel.

For travellers searching cheap flights to Istanbul, fares are generally strongest outside the European summer peak and the December holidays. As always, mid-week departures and flexible dates help, and one-stop options via the Gulf can occasionally undercut direct fares. Travellers should confirm current Turkey entry requirements for South African passport holders before booking.

South Africa to Asia: Thailand, Bali and Hong Kong flights

Asia is firmly on the South African travel map, led by Thailand's beaches, value-for-money appeal, and easy entry for South African passport holders. Most Asian routes are flown as one-stop services via the Gulf hubs or Addis Ababa, and the favourable exchange rate on the ground keeps these trips popular year after year.

Phuket is the classic introduction to Thailand for South Africans, combining beaches, islands, and a well-developed resort scene. Travelwings compares the connecting options on cheap flights to Phuket, where the right routing and a mid-week departure can make a noticeable difference to the final fare.

Bangkok is the other major draw — a vibrant city in its own right and the springboard for onward travel across Thailand and wider Southeast Asia. For the capital and beyond, cheap flights to Thailand are surfaced across multiple carriers so you can compare price against total travel time.

Indonesia is another firm favourite, with Bali especially popular for honeymoons, surfing, and longer-stay holidays. Flights to Bali from South Africa are flown as one-stop routings, and booking ahead during the cheaper months helps offset the longer journey.

For travellers heading further east, Hong Kong remains a key gateway into East Asia and mainland China, reached on one-stop connections through the major Gulf and African hubs. Entry requirements vary across these Asian destinations, so South African passport holders should check the latest rules for Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong before booking.

Where do South Africans fly? Most popular international destinations

South African travellers tend to favour a familiar set of overseas destinations, chosen for value, accessibility, and ease of entry. The chart below shows the most-booked international destinations for South Africans, based on travel-industry data — several of which, including Dubai, Phuket, and Bali, are covered on this page:

Mauritius

100

Dubai

89

Phuket

80

Bali

71

Ras Al Khaimah

63

Zanzibar

56

Maldives

49

Paris

43

This pattern reflects what South African travellers consistently look for — warm-weather and island escapes such as Mauritius, Zanzibar, and the Maldives, value-rich long-haul destinations such as Dubai and Thailand, and bucket-list cities such as Paris. Whichever you are planning, Travelwings compares the airlines and routings that serve it from South Africa in a single search.

Which airlines fly international routes from South Africa?

South Africa's international corridors are served by a broad mix of Gulf mega-hub carriers, European flag airlines, and African network specialists. Travelwings compares fares across the full range of airlines flying out of OR Tambo, Cape Town, and King Shaka, with the following among the most-booked international options:

Emirates: Operates daily direct service from Johannesburg to Dubai, frequently on the Airbus A380, with onward connections across its global network covering Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas. Emirates flights are widely preferred for the modern fleet, generous baggage allowances, and seamless connectivity through Dubai International Airport, with fares confirmed in ZAR and instant e-ticket delivery.

Qatar Airways: Operates daily service from Johannesburg to Doha's Hamad International Airport — repeatedly ranked among the world's best airports — with onward connections to more than 150 destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways booking is particularly strong for travellers heading to the UK, continental Europe, and Asia, with Economy, Premium Economy, and the award-winning Qsuite business class all searchable in real time.

British Airways: Operates direct daily service from Johannesburg to London Heathrow — often on the Airbus A380 — the established premium option on the South Africa–UK corridor. British Airways booking remains a default choice for travellers prioritising direct flights and the broader Oneworld alliance for onward connections, and is shown alongside Virgin Atlantic and connecting alternatives.

Ethiopian Airlines: Connects Johannesburg to its hub at Addis Ababa, offering one of the most comprehensive intra-African networks alongside expanding routes to Europe, Asia, and North America. Ethiopian Airlines flights are especially competitive for travellers connecting elsewhere in Africa and for one-stop routings to Asia and the Gulf.

Kenya Airways: Links Johannesburg to Nairobi, a major East African hub, with onward connections across the continent and to selected long-haul destinations. Kenya Airways flights are a popular choice for travellers heading into East Africa or connecting onward through Nairobi.

RwandAir: Connects Johannesburg to Kigali, with a growing network reaching across Africa and into the Gulf, Europe, and Asia. RwandAir flights often deliver competitive fares for regional African travel and one-stop connections through Kigali's modern hub.

Other major carriers: Lufthansa (Frankfurt and Munich), Swiss (Zurich), KLM (Amsterdam), Air France (Paris), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Singapore Airlines (Singapore), Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong), and Qantas (Perth) all serve South Africa from OR Tambo, with several also operating from Cape Town. All of the major international airlines flying out of South Africa are consolidated into a single Travelwings search.

What is fare lock and how does it work?

Fare lock is a flight ticket feature that lets you reserve a fare at the moment of search, effectively freezing the displayed price for a defined holding period — typically 24 to 72 hours, with longer windows available on selected airlines and routes. You pay a small holding fee, much less than the full ticket price, and then have the agreed window to complete payment, finalise plans, sort visa documentation, or coordinate with travelling companions. If you complete the booking within the hold period, the held fare is honoured even if the live market price has risen in the meantime.

For South African travellers booking international flights, fare lock serves a particularly practical purpose: international airfares can move significantly between the moment of search and the moment of booking, especially around December, Easter, the mid-year holidays, and major event windows. Being able to hold the price while you arrange leave, visas, or family scheduling protects you from sudden increases — and on long-haul routes, where a small percentage rise translates into a meaningful Rand amount, that protection can be worth a great deal. Fare lock is a commercial arrangement that protects the displayed price; it is not a guarantee against airline-side schedule changes, and eligibility and fees vary by airline, cabin, route, and hold length.

How to find the cheapest international flights from South Africa

A few reliable strategies help you find the cheapest international airfare from South Africa without compromising on convenience:

• Book at the right time: For international travel, the cheapest fares generally fall around February, May, June (outside the school break), and November, while December, late March, the July holidays, and early October tend to be the most expensive.
• Use the right booking window: International fares from South Africa are usually at their best around six to ten weeks before departure — early enough to beat last-minute rises, late enough to catch real fares rather than opening prices.
• Compare nearby airports: On some trips, departing from or connecting via Lanseria, Cape Town, or King Shaka can be cheaper than OR Tambo, so it pays to compare gateways.
• Be flexible with dates: Flying mid-week and avoiding school holidays and long weekends often uncovers noticeably lower fares.
• Set fare alerts: Not ready to book? Set up fare alerts on Travelwings and we will let you know when the price for your preferred dates drops.
• Compare before you commit: Even if you favour one airline, comparing direct and one-stop carriers finds the best balance of price and travel time — and a single Travelwings search shows them side by side.

Combining these habits — flexible dates, the right booking window, and a full comparison across carriers — is the most dependable way to secure cheap international flights from South Africa on the route and dates you want.

Ready to book your international flight from South Africa?

From Dubai and London to Harare, Istanbul, Bangkok, and Bali, Travelwings brings every major international route from South Africa together in one place, priced in Rand with no hidden fees. Compare fares, lock in your price, and book online in minutes — or speak to the Travelwings South Africa team on +27 (0)12 006 0002 or at sa.care@travelwings.com for help with your booking.

Disclaimer: Fares, schedules, airline operations, cabin availability, and routings referenced on this page are indicative and subject to change without notice based on demand, airline terms, and travel dates. Direct and one-stop options, flight times, baggage allowances, and entry requirements vary by airline and nationality and are confirmed at the time of booking. Final pricing in ZAR is confirmed at checkout with Travelwings South Africa.

FAQs

1. When are international flights from South Africa cheapest?

For international travel, fares are generally lowest around February, May, June (outside the school break), and November. The most expensive periods are December, late March, the July holidays, and early October, when demand peaks around holidays and school breaks.

2. How far in advance should I book international flights from South Africa?

International fares from South Africa are usually at their best around six to ten weeks before departure. Booking earlier helps you avoid last-minute price rises, while flexible dates and mid-week departures can lower the fare further.

3. Which airlines fly international routes from South Africa?

Major carriers include Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha), British Airways and Virgin Atlantic (London), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa), Kenya Airways (Nairobi), RwandAir (Kigali), and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), among others such as Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. Travelwings compares them in a single search.

4. Are there direct flights from Johannesburg to Dubai and London?

Yes. Emirates operates daily direct flights from Johannesburg to Dubai, often on the Airbus A380, and British Airways operates daily direct flights from Johannesburg to London Heathrow, alongside Virgin Atlantic. Many other international destinations are reached via one-stop connections.

5. What are the most popular international destinations for South Africans?

South African travellers consistently favour Mauritius, Dubai, Thailand (including Phuket), Bali, Zanzibar, the Maldives, and European cities such as Paris, alongside high-frequency regional routes into Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini.

6. Do South African passport holders need a visa for these destinations?

Visa requirements vary by destination and can change. Some destinations offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to South African passport holders, while others require a visa or e-visa in advance. Always confirm the latest rules via the IATA Travel Centre or the relevant official government website before booking.

7. Can I find budget or one-stop options for long-haul international flights?

Yes. For destinations such as the UK, Turkey, Thailand, and Bali, one-stop routings through Gulf hubs (Dubai, Doha) or African hubs (Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kigali) often deliver lower fares than direct services, especially outside peak periods. Travelwings shows direct and connecting options side by side.

8. Which airports can I fly internationally from in South Africa?

OR Tambo International (JNB) in Johannesburg is the main international gateway, followed by Cape Town International (CPT) and King Shaka International (DUR) in Durban. Lanseria (HLA) near Johannesburg is also worth comparing, as nearby airports can sometimes offer cheaper fares.