Media Statement

07 May 2012

The South African Government welcomes the Launch of Eritrean Airlines’ Flights into South Africa

The Embassy of South Africa in Asmara, Eritrea has on 02 May 2012, welcomed the introduction of regular air flights from Asmara to South Africa by Eritrean Airlines.

This first historic flight from Asmara to Cape Town is scheduled for today, Monday, 07 May 2012. 

Eritrean Airlines will fly into Cape Town International Airport and OR Tambo Airport, four times a week.

The South African Government views this as part of advancing the African Agenda and sustainable development, which is a strategic objective of South Africa´s foreign policy for a progressive Africa and a better world.

South Africa´s Ambassador to the State of Eritrea, Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay, has been invited by the CEO of Eritrean Airlines to be part of this first inaugural flight. 

Ambassador Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay will join this first flight from Asmara to Cape Town, as part of the South African momentum to enhance relations amongst African states and its peoples.

This new airline route is a historic milestone in Eritrean-South Africa relations, which will help strengthen South African-Eritrean economic, political, and social relations.

Furthermore, this new development is in line with the Presidential Infrastructure Championship Initiative of H.E. President Jacob Zuma, which aims to advance greater development, stability and integration in Africa.

Currently, the South African mining infrastructure company, SENET, has established an office in Asmara and is involved with the Government of the State of Eritrea in the development of Eritrea´s mining infrastructure, notably in the production of gold and copper.

Eritrea GDP’s growth soared to an estimated 17% in 2011 and, is one of the few African states that are on track towards meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals in child mortality and water conservation (MDG 4 & 7).

Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, 082 884 5974.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria