Etihad introduces flights to Cape Town

Etihad Airways began operating flights to Cape Town in South Africa from its home base of Abu Dhabi on September 30th.

The new service operates via the airline's existing daily connection to Johannesburg.

Cape Town is Etihad's fifth destination on the African continent, with flights to Cairo, Casablanca and Khartoum also provided by the airline.

The carrier described Cape Town as the "leading tourist destination" in South Africa and said that the country as a whole is a "leading global destination of choice for tourism and commerce".

James Hogan, the operator's chief executive officer, said: "In addition to the strong demand for flights from expatriate South African nationals, business and leisure travellers, many thousands of football fans are expected to travel there next year when South Africa hosts the 2010 Fifa World Cup."

Johannesburg has been one of Etihad's most successful destinations since flights were launched in December 2005.

The airline also expanded its presence in the US last month with the launch of flights to Chicago from Abu Dhabi on September 2nd.

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