South African domestic airline LIFT is preparing for one of its busiest festive seasons yet, driven by rising demand, strong early bookings and positive forecasts from tourism organisations in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

To meet peak travel along Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, known as the Golden Triangle, LIFT added two additional aircraft from November.

Cilliers Jordaan, Chief Commercial Officer at LIFT, says early bookings show strong confidence from South African travellers. “Many are locking in holiday plans earlier, staying longer and travelling in larger groups. Our added fleet capacity allows us to meet this growing demand.”

Rising international arrivals and steady regional travel are also boosting domestic volumes. “Visitors often move between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, supporting core routes that power both tourism and business travel,” Jordaan adds.

Strong Demand Across Key Regions

In the Western Cape, Wesgro projects domestic seat capacity into Cape Town for December and January will reach 98.8% of pre-pandemic levels. CEO Wrenelle Stander highlights growing interest from both established markets like the UK, Germany and USA, and emerging markets including India, China and Brazil. Travellers are exploring beyond Cape Town, visiting smaller towns and regional destinations across the West Coast, Winelands, Karoo, Overberg and the Garden Route.

KwaZulu-Natal Tourism expects up to 1.1 million domestic travellers and around 34 000 international arrivals. Sibusiso Gumbi, Interim CEO, notes the province enters the season with solid momentum after recording 4.3 million domestic trips in the first half of 2025. Visitor spending is projected at R13 billion, supporting jobs and local businesses.

Golden Triangle Remains Vital

Jordaan underscores the importance of the Golden Triangle. “Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban drive South African tourism and business travel. With our expanded fleet, LIFT is ready to keep these routes moving and support tourism spend across the country.”

With the festive season underway, LIFT’s expanded fleet ensures it can meet growing demand, strengthen domestic connectivity and support South Africa’s thriving tourism sector.