According to eTNW, Air China has cancelled the launch of its direct flights to South Africa.
Trudy Pietersen of ACSA said the airline cancelled its slots for the season running from 31 August to 23 October. “Hopefully they will re-apply for the new season, commencing end October 2015,” she said.
This is the second time the carrier has delayed the launch of its direct service from Beijing to Johannesburg. The airline had first announced a March launch of its operations to South Africa, which was then postponed to 30 August.
“It’s a natural response to our new visa requirements,” said David Frost, CEO of SATSA. He added that once the new Victoria Falls Airport is complete, South Africa could expect a massive shift of international travellers to Victoria Falls for travel into Africa.