Air Europa to connect Spain and South Africa from June 2026

Air Europa will launch a new direct route between Madrid and Johannesburg starting 24 June 2026, marking the airline’s fourth destination in Africa and strengthening its long-haul expansion strategy from Madrid-Barajas Airport.

The service will operate three times a week, joining Air Europa’s existing African routes to Tunis and Marrakech, with Tangier set to be added to the network in 2026. This expansion underlines the airline’s growing focus on Africa as a key market within its international development plan.

The Madrid–Johannesburg route will be operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a next-generation aircraft that reduces fuel consumption by up to 25% compared to previous-generation models. Designed for long-haul comfort, the aircraft features advanced cabin ventilation systems that help reduce passenger fatigue.

In business class, passengers will enjoy fully flat beds measuring up to two metres, alongside a gastronomic offering curated by nine-Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui, reinforcing Air Europa’s premium positioning on long-haul routes.

Johannesburg represents a strategic gateway for European travellers seeking to explore southern Africa. As one of the continent’s main aviation hubs, the city provides seamless connections to neighbouring countries such as Namibia and Botswana, key destinations for nature and safari tourism. It is also emerging as an important MICE destination, with growing demand for meetings, incentives and international events.

From next summer, Air Europa’s network will include flights to Marrakech, Tunis, Tangier, as well as the European city of Geneva, further strengthening the airline’s medium- and long-haul offering.