British Airways to Add Heathrow-Cape Town Flights
The airline plans ten weekly flights on the route for the 2027 northern summer season, up from seven.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Africa
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British Airways will add three weekly flights between London Heathrow and Cape Town for the 2027 northern summer season, raising its seasonal schedule from seven to ten flights a week. The extra services sit alongside the existing daily flight, with the northern summer flying season beginning in late March 2027.
Why it matters
The expansion gives UK and South African travellers more options on a long-haul route during the peak summer period. It reflects continued airline demand for the Heathrow-Cape Town corridor as travel between the two countries grows.
The airline's seasonal schedule moves from seven weekly Heathrow-Cape Town flights to ten, with the additional Heathrow departures on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Pricing and passenger demand for the new services were not disclosed.
The players
British Airways
British Airways is the United Kingdom's flag carrier, headquartered at London Heathrow and operating a large long-haul network.
The details
The three additional weekly flights operate from Heathrow on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while the extra Cape Town departures run on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Separately, the airline is increasing Heathrow-Cape Town service to three daily flights from 13 December 2026.
Timeline
September 2026: British Airways announces the 2027 summer schedule expansion.
13 December 2026: Heathrow-Cape Town service increases to three daily flights.
Late March 2027: The northern summer flying season and extra services begin.
Route Trajectory
The 2027 summer expansion extends British Airways' recent pattern of adding seasonal capacity to Heathrow-Cape Town, with the move to three daily flights from December 2026 marking a further step up. The increase follows a trajectory of growing frequency on one of the airline's longer African routes.
Travellers planning a 2027 summer trip between London and Cape Town will have more flight days to choose from once the expanded schedule takes effect. Booking earlier in the season may give more seat options on the added Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday departures.
The takeaway
Travellers flying between the UK and South Africa should note the schedule changes when planning around the 2027 summer season. Checking departure days early can help secure preferred flight times on the expanded route.
What happens next
Three daily Heathrow-Cape Town flights begin on 13 December 2026, and the expanded summer schedule starts in late March 2027.
Further reading
For more on destinations across the continent, browse our Africa travel guides.
Live Poll
Would you book a trip to Cape Town if more direct flights were available?
