Direct flights on the horizon: Africa and the Caribbean are ready for takeoff

A new era of connectivity is on the verge of unfolding for African travellers seeking to explore the Caribbean.

With efforts underway to establish direct flights between the continent and the region, prospects are looking bright.

Reports from the Caribbean National Weekly Network indicate that this transformative milestone is a few months away, spurred by an increase in demand and strategic partnerships, particularly from Afreximbank.

Earlier this month, a landmark non-stop flight from Nigeria to St. Kitts marked a significant step towards making these connections a reality.

Following this inaugural journey, authorities are now in talks to introduce regular flight routes, beginning with a potential direct flight to Algeria for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) scheduled for September.

Afreximbank’s Caribbean office is eager to highlight that this initiative is not solely about tourism; it represents an expanding realm of trade, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections.

The ambition is to create a robust Africa-Caribbean ecosystem where “demand meets supply.”

This vision encompasses not just the tourism sector but also the shipment of goods and the linking of diaspora markets.

The Caribbean comprises a diverse array of nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others.

South African travellers will be pleased to note that they can enjoy visa-free entry to several of these idyllic islands, such as St. Lucia and Grenada.

However, those looking to visit other destinations in the Dutch Caribbean, including Aruba and Curaçao, will need to secure a visa beforehand.

At present, South Africa does not boast any direct flights to the Caribbean.

Popular non-direct routes currently available include connections from Cape Town International Airport to George Town Owen Roberts International Airport, and from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to both Kingston Norman Manley Airport and San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

As discussions progress towards establishing scheduled direct flights, the anticipation grows among intrepid South African travellers eager to experience the unique allure of Caribbean culture and beautiful landscapes.