JNB-DXB among the top 10 busiest routes in Africa

The route between Johannesburg and Dubai is one of the top 10 busiest routes in Africa, according to a report by OAG, a leading provider of travel data and analytics. The report, which ranked the top 10 routes by seat capacity in 2023, showed that JNB-DXB had a total of 1,026,320 seats, making it the seventh busiest route in the continent. The route, which is operated by Emirates and South African Airways, connects two major hubs for trade, tourism, and business in Africa and the Middle East.

The demand for JNB-DXB

The demand for the JNB-DXB route has been increasing over the years, as more travelers choose to fly between the two cities for various reasons. Some of the factors that drive the demand for the route are:

• Trade and commerce: Johannesburg and Dubai are both important centers for trade and commerce in their respective regions. Johannesburg is the largest and wealthiest city in South Africa, and the economic powerhouse of the continent. It is home to many multinational corporations, banks, and industries, and hosts the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the largest stock exchange in Africa. Dubai, on the other hand, is the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, and the commercial and financial hub of the Middle East. It is known for its diversified economy, which includes sectors such as trade, tourism, logistics, finance, and technology. Dubai also hosts the Dubai International Financial Centre, the leading financial center in the region, and the Dubai World Trade Centre, the largest exhibition and convention center in the Middle East.
• Tourism and leisure: Johannesburg and Dubai are also popular destinations for tourism and leisure, offering a variety of attractions and experiences for travelers. Johannesburg is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a rich history and culture, and a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in Africa, such as the Kruger National Park, the Cape Winelands, and the Garden Route. Dubai is a modern and dynamic city, with a blend of tradition and innovation, and a host of world-class attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Frame. Dubai also offers a range of activities and events, such as desert safaris, water sports, golf, shopping, and festivals.
• Connectivity and convenience: Johannesburg and Dubai are also well-connected and convenient for travelers, as they serve as major hubs for regional and international flights. Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport in Africa, and the main hub for South African Airways, the national carrier of South Africa. It offers direct flights to over 100 destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Dubai’s Dubai International Airport is the busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic, and the main hub for Emirates, the national carrier of the UAE. It offers direct flights to over 150 destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The JNB-DXB route also offers convenient flight schedules and durations, with daily flights and an average flight time of eight hours.

The impact of Covid-19 on JNB-DXB

The JNB-DXB route, like many other routes in the world, was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted the global travel and tourism industry. The route saw a significant drop in seat capacity and passenger traffic in 2020 and 2021, as both countries imposed travel restrictions and lockdowns to contain the spread of the virus. According to data from OAG, the seat capacity for JNB-DXB declined by 57% in 2020, and by 34% in 2021, compared to 2019.

However, the route also showed signs of recovery and resilience, as both countries gradually eased their travel measures and resumed their flights. According to data from OAG, the seat capacity for JNB-DXB increased by 67% in 2022, and by 23% in 2023, compared to 2021. The route also benefited from the vaccination campaigns and the testing protocols that both countries implemented, which enhanced the safety and confidence of travelers. The route also capitalized on the pent-up demand and the preference for long-haul flights, which emerged as the travel trends in the post-pandemic era.

The outlook for JNB-DXB

The JNB-DXB route is expected to continue to grow and prosper in the future, as both countries recover from the pandemic and resume their economic and social activities. The route is also expected to benefit from the strategic partnership and the cooperation that both countries have established, especially in the fields of trade, tourism, and investment. The route is also expected to leverage the opportunities and the challenges that the global travel and tourism industry faces, such as the digital transformation, the sustainability, and the innovation.

The JNB-DXB route is one of the top 10 busiest routes in Africa, and one of the most important routes in the world. The route connects two of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world, and offers a range of benefits and advantages for travelers. The route also reflects the strength and the potential of the African and the Middle Eastern markets, and their role and contribution to the global travel and tourism industry.