Fly Your Way to Europe with 12 Popular Routes from South Africa

4min read

Published 24 April 2026

Flight Centre

Planning a trip to Europe from South Africa usually starts with one big question: How are you going to get there? The truth is, there are thousands of ways to reach your destination depending on your budget, how quickly you want to arrive, or if you’re looking for a "holiday within a holiday" along the way.

From the world-class terminals of Singapore to layovers with “mini safaris” (yes, read that right) here are 12 popular routes to get your Euro holiday off to a flying start!

Fly via London (LHR)

One of the most popular and efficient routes into Europe, London offers seamless connections across the continent. With world-class airports and frequent flights, it’s perfect for travellers who want a quick and straightforward journey.

Fly with: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic (both direct)

Fly via Paris (CDG)

Travelling via Paris adds a touch of romance to your journey. Charles de Gaulle Airport is a major European hub, making onward travel smooth and convenient.

Fly with: Air France (direct)

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Fly via Zurich (ZRH)

Efficient, clean, and incredibly well-organised, Zurich is ideal for stress-free connections. It’s also a great option if you’re heading into central Europe.

Fly with: SWISS International Air Lines (direct)

Fly via Mauritius (MRU)

Why not turn your layover into a mini-island escape? Mauritius offers a more relaxed route to Europe, with connections into major cities.

Fly with: Air Mauritius (to London, Paris, Amsterdam)

Fly via Mahé (SEZ)

A scenic island stopover, Mahé is perfect if you want to break up your journey with tropical views before heading to Europe.

Fly with: Air Seychelles (to Paris)

Fly via Saint-Denis (RUN)

A lesser-known but efficient route, Réunion offers a unique French island stopover en route to Europe.

Fly with: Air Austral (to Paris CDG)

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Compare prices across several days and speak to a Flight Centre expert who can quickly check multiple fares for your preferred route and dates.

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Fly via Amsterdam (AMS)

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is one of Europe’s easiest hubs to navigate, making connections quick and hassle-free.

Fly with: KLM (direct to Amsterdam)

Fly via Frankfurt (FRA)

A major European aviation hub, Frankfurt is ideal for accessing multiple destinations across Europe with minimal connection times.

Fly with: Lufthansa (direct to Frankfurt, via Munich)

Fly via Kigali (KGL)

A growing hub in Africa, Kigali offers a smooth and efficient transit experience with connections into popular European cities.

Fly with: RwandAir (to London, Paris)

Fly via Nairobi (NBO)

Nairobi is a well-established African hub, offering frequent connections and competitive fares into Europe.

Fly with: Kenya Airways (to London, Amsterdam, Paris)

Fly via Addis Ababa (ADD)

One of Africa’s biggest transit hubs, Addis Ababa provides extensive connections across Europe with reliable schedules.

Fly with: Ethiopian Airlines (to London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Vienna)

Fly via Cairo (CAI)

A historic gateway between Africa and Europe, Cairo offers a wide range of onward connections across the continent.

Fly with: EgyptAir (to London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Frankfurt)

Fly via Luanda (NBJ)

A niche but useful route, Luanda provides a direct link into Portugal — perfect for travellers heading to Lisbon.

Fly with: TAAG Angola Airlines (to Lisbon only)

No matter which way you choose to fly, our Travel Experts have the know how to get you there!

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