SAA will launch a new service with five flights per week from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, starting November 1.

The new route will be operated as follows:

Lubumbashi, the second-largest city and the mining capital of the DRC, is a base for many of the country's biggest mining companies. It is the top copper producer in Africa, and the fourth largest globally. It also produces half of the world’s cobalt, most of which comes from Katanga Province.

The DRC is the top copper producer in Africa, and the fourth largest copper producer globally.

Lubumbashi is an important link in a chain known as the Lobito Railroad Corridor, which transports mining products from the interior to the Atlantic port of Lobito. With the global surge in the demand for and the production of electric vehicles, the corridor’s importance is constantly growing, along with the city’s importance as an economic hub for the DRC.

Lubumbashi is in the southeast of the country, next to the border with Zambia.

"Our new route to Lubumbashi opens up exciting opportunities for both business and leisure travellers, strengthening our network in Africa," SAA's GM Sales Marketing Distribution and E-Commerce, Carla da Silva, told Tourism Update.

"Connecting to Lubumbashi supports economic growth and fosters stronger business ties between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With our direct flights to Lubumbashi, passengers can now enjoy more accessible travel options to this vibrant city."

Lubumbashi is in the southeast of the country, next to the border with Zambia.