United Airlines has approached the Department of Transportation (DOT) for increased flexibility in its South African routes. This request aligns with a similar appeal made by Delta Air Lines earlier this month. United expressed no objection to Delta’s request, provided it is granted equivalent flexibility.
In its filing, United Airlines requested permission to use one frequency on the Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) route for additional services from Newark to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) year-round. The airline cited passenger demand as the reason for this adjustment, aiming to operate six weekly flights from Newark to Johannesburg and four weekly flights from Newark to Cape Town during peak seasons.
The airline clarified that this request does not affect its existing flights between Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Cape Town. United emphasized that it would not exceed seven weekly frequencies for direct itineraries involving Newark-Johannesburg or Newark-Johannesburg-Cape Town.
“United’s request for year-round flexibility for one weekly frequency is comparable to Delta’s request for flexibility for two weekly frequencies for peak season,” stated Thorsten Lettnin, Director of Sales at United Airlines.
United also seeks approval from the DOT to operate all seven weekly frequencies on a route starting in Newark, stopping in Johannesburg and Cape Town, before returning to New Jersey if conditions permit. Previously, Delta received permission from the DOT for similar eighth freedom flights originating at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
If approved, United plans an additional Tuesday flight from Newark to Cape Town with a Wednesday return itinerary. The company argues that granting this flexibility serves public interest by enhancing service during peak seasons and improving connecting opportunities at Cape Town.
Data indicates that the last US airline operated an eighth freedom flight within South Africa in March 2023 when Delta flew a four-week itinerary from Atlanta via Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Currently, United operates three weekly flights alongside daily services from Newark to both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Similarly, Delta maintains an identical schedule between Atlanta and these South African cities.
Delta also highlighted public interest benefits when requesting additional flexibility on February 14: “Delta’s proposed service will allow Delta to enhance its service to Cape Town in the highest-demand months, directly benefiting customers.”
Both airlines are seeking adjustments without exceeding awarded frequencies between the US and South Africa.
