Germany’s recovery as a top southern and East African source market is being further bolstered by the resumption of Condor’s direct flights from Frankfurt (FRA) to Cape Town (CPT) and Zanzibar (ZNZ). One-stop flights to Mombasa (MBA), with nonstop return flights to Frankfurt, have also returned to the European winter schedule, which runs until April 30, 2023.

The three destinations have been off Condor’s schedule since 2020.

Direct to Cape Town

From October 8, the airline flies twice a week to Cape Town, departing Frankfurt at 20h20 on Tuesdays and Fridays, arriving in Cape Town at 08h15 the following day. From November, the frequency will be upped to thrice weekly, with flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays departing Frankfurt at 20h40 and arriving at 09h40 the next day. On Thursdays the flight departs Frankfurt at 21h55 and arrives in Cape Town at 10h55 the next day. 

The October return flights depart CPT at 16h55 on Wednesdays and Saturdays, arriving in Frankfurt at 05:10 the next day. From November, the return flights will depart CPT at 18h10 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Frankfurt at 05h25.

Condor will also begin servicing Johannesburg with twice-weekly direct flights from Frankfurt for the first time, from November 4. The flights will depart FRA on Mondays at 20h25 (arriving at JNB at 08h25 the following day) and Fridays at 21h55 (arriving at JNB at 09h55 the following day). Return flights will depart JNB at 19h15 on Tuesdays and Saturdays, arriving at FRA at 05h25 the following day. 

The flights will further accelerate the recovery of the German market, which is historically South Africa’s third-largest overseas source market and recorded 7 894 arrivals in July 2022, according to the latest Stats SA Tourism and Migration data. 

East Africa connected again

Sam Ikwaye, Secretary of Kenya’s Tourism Professional Association, said the return of Condor to Mombasa was fulfilling a need to expand flight access to the country’s coastal regions. 

“International airlines are critical to accessibility of a destination. Germany has been one of the key source markets for some time, so return of this airline and frequency are good for the recovery of the Kenya coast, a region which the German market is supportive of and finds attractive.” 

The Friday flights to Zanzibar depart Frankfurt at 20h05, arriving in Zanzibar at 06h50 the following day. On Sundays the flight departs Frankfurt at 21h55, arriving in Zanzibar at 08h50. The flight continues to Mombasa after a 1h10min layover.

The return flight departs from ZNZ to MBA at 08h00 on Saturdays and 09h50 on Mondays. The flight then departs MBA at 10h35 on Saturdays (arriving at FRA at 17h40) and 12h25 on Mondays (arriving at FRA at 19h30).

“If Condor is supported and sustains the route, this will help to fast-track our recovery. We enjoy a fairly good environment following the highly contested and challenged elections. It makes sense to take advantage of this and remain open for business, supported by the international airlines,” said Ikwaye.  

The South African and East African routes will be serviced by the 258-seat B767-300ER, with 18 seats in business class, 35 in premium economy and 205 in economy.