LATAM Airlines on 8 July announced the launch of its first non-stop service between São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU) and Cape Town (CPT), restoring a direct South America–South Africa connection severed during the pandemic. Operating three times weekly with Boeing 787-9 aircraft configured with Premium Business and Economy cabins, flights depart GRU on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 22:40, returning from Cape Town on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 15:50. The new route shortens the door-to-door journey for Brazilian mining, energy and tech executives heading to South Africa’s Western Cape cluster by at least four hours versus one-stop itineraries via Johannesburg or European hubs. Cargo capacity—up to 11 tonnes per flight—will also benefit Brazil’s fruit exporters and South Africa’s wine producers, both keen to tap opposite-season demand.
![LATAM Debuts São Paulo–Cape Town Service, Opening Direct Link to South Africa]()
Travel documentation can be another time-saving opportunity: VisaHQ helps Brazilian travellers complete the mandatory South African e-Traveller Declaration and any other visa or permit paperwork quickly online. The service, accessible at provides expert guidance and optional expedited processing to ensure all documents are in order well before departure.
LATAM secured fifth-freedom rights to carry passengers continuing to Nairobi under a codeshare with Kenya Airways, pending Kenyan regulatory sign-off expected later this quarter. Mobility managers should note that Brazilian passport holders receive a free 90-day visitor’s permit on arrival in South Africa but must complete the new e-Traveller Declaration online before boarding. The Cape Town service complements LATAM’s daily Johannesburg flights via Santiago and cements Guarulhos’ status as Latin America’s most connected long-haul hub. According to ANAC data, international seat capacity from GRU will exceed pre-COVID levels by October if the route maintains its projected 85 % load factor. Introductory fares start at BRL 5,800 return in economy, and the carrier is offering double points in its LATAM Pass programme for tickets issued before 31 July.
Travel documentation can be another time-saving opportunity: VisaHQ helps Brazilian travellers complete the mandatory South African e-Traveller Declaration and any other visa or permit paperwork quickly online. The service, accessible at provides expert guidance and optional expedited processing to ensure all documents are in order well before departure.
LATAM secured fifth-freedom rights to carry passengers continuing to Nairobi under a codeshare with Kenya Airways, pending Kenyan regulatory sign-off expected later this quarter. Mobility managers should note that Brazilian passport holders receive a free 90-day visitor’s permit on arrival in South Africa but must complete the new e-Traveller Declaration online before boarding. The Cape Town service complements LATAM’s daily Johannesburg flights via Santiago and cements Guarulhos’ status as Latin America’s most connected long-haul hub. According to ANAC data, international seat capacity from GRU will exceed pre-COVID levels by October if the route maintains its projected 85 % load factor. Introductory fares start at BRL 5,800 return in economy, and the carrier is offering double points in its LATAM Pass programme for tickets issued before 31 July.
