Cape Town explores direct flight connectivity to India to boost tourism, trade

During their visit in Bengaluru, the delegation discussed broader economic collaboration, meeting Karnataka’s IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge to explore partnerships in technology, business process outsourcing (BPO), and tourism.

South Africa’s legislative capital, Cape Town, is working to establish direct flights to India to enhance tourism and trade.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, City of Cape Town, said: “We've conducted research proving strong demand, supported by our tourism campaign in India. We are advocating a bilateral agreement for direct flights from cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru.”

Vos, along with officials from his department and the City’s strategic business partners, CapeBPO and Cape Town Tourism, was in Bengaluru for a two-day visit. They are also planning to meet Air India executives to present a business case for the route on Thursday.

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The delegation is also set to meet major Indian tour operators, including Thomas Cook India, to promote this initiative and streamline visa processes through South Africa’s trusted tour operator scheme.

During their visit, the delegation discussed broader economic collaboration, meeting Karnataka’s IT-BT Minister, Priyank Kharge, to explore partnerships in technology, business process outsourcing (BPO), and tourism.

Kharge highlighted Bengaluru-based MoveInSync’s expansion into Cape Town and proposed integrating the city into Bengaluru’s Global Innovation Programme.

“Cape Town values its relationship with India and seeks to strengthen ties in tech, BPO, and tourism,” Vos said. “By working together, we can unlock investment and create jobs.”

Asked about Cape Town's 2015–2020 drought crisis, Vos said the city is investing in water security through pipe replacements, aquifer extraction, desalination, and wastewater treatment. "To reduce reliance on a single power supplier, Cape Town is also developing solar farms with battery storage and attracting global battery manufacturers. These initiatives aim to enhance sustainability and economic resilience" he said. The delegation toured Bengaluru’s tech parks, GCCs, and the MoveInSync experience centre to understand India’s innovation in corporate commuting solutions.