German carrier Lufthansa has recommenced scheduled passenger services between Munich and Johannesburg after a 19-year break. The route was last served by the carrier in 2005 and was most recently operated by South African Airways until 2020 but was dropped after that carrier cut its international network back at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The inaugural flight (LH578) departed from Munich Airport (MUC) at 20:29 on September 2, 2024, and touched down at OR Tambo International Airport at 06:43 on the morning of September 3, 2024. The flight was operated by one of the carrier’s 29-strong fleet of Airbus A350-900 widebodies registered D-AIXD.
Lufthansa intends to operate the new service three times per week departing the German city on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It becomes the airline’s second service to serve South Africa complementing the carrier’s daily operation between Frankfurt and Johannesburg operated by 364-seat Boeing 747-8 aircraft of which the airline operates 19 examples.
The new year-round service from Munich offers a capacity of 293 seats per flight in each direction. The company’s A350-900s are configured for 48 business class, 21 premium economy, and 224 economy class seats.
“Munich, with its award-winning airport, is a popular and beautiful city in the heart of Europe,” said Lufthansa’s CEO, Jens Ritter, who was onboard the first flight. “It is also a convenient hub to take advantage of numerous onward flights.”
“Our customers in South Africa will have more choice and travel options departing from Johannesburg, as this new connection complements our daily service to Frankfurt. Both routes are priced at the same level, providing passengers with flexibility to even combine both routes,” he concluded.
Adding to the CEO’s comments, Lufthansa added in a statement: “With the flight departing Johannesburg at 08:20, travelers now have an alternative travel time to Europe. It touches down at Munich airport at 06:50 am, in 10.5 hours, making it one of the shortest flight times to Western Europe.”
The new route is seen as an important addition to Lufthansa’s global network. As one of the carrier’s two main hub airports, flights to Munich open up around 130 global destinations for South African travelers, including those served by the airline in Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East.
“The nonstop connection between Munich and Johannesburg will undoubtedly boost bilateral trade, create jobs, and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of both respective regions,” said Airports Company South Africa CEO, Mpumi Mpofu.
“It will also improve South Africa’s position as a main player in the global aviation network. Lufthansa Airlines has been a pivotal partner in enhancing the aviation landscape at OR Tambo International Airport,” Mpofu added.