Delta Maintains US and South Africa Flights Despite Travel Restriction

The US announced on November 26 that it is restricting the entry of non-US citizens from South Africa and other neighboring countries. Other countries included in the travel restriction are Malawi, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. However, even with the existing travel restriction, Delta will still maintain its flights between the US and South Africa.

The airline offers direct flights between Atlanta, Georgia, and Johannesburg, South Africa three times a week. According to the carrier, “There are no planned adjustments to service at this time”.

Delta Continues US and South Africa Flights Despite Travel Restriction

But even with continued service to South Africa, non-US citizens may encounter problems heading to the US.  US restricts the entry of non-US citizen travelers who stayed in South Africa and the seven other African countries within the last 14 days.

The good news is that Delta is offering easier ways for travelers to make the necessary changes in their travel plans. Affected customers traveling between the US and South Africa until December 31 don’t have to deal with change fees. Also, Delta is waiving the fair difference of passengers who will rebook their travel on or before December 12.

According to their website, “If travel is not able to be rescheduled within these guidelines, customers may cancel their reservation and apply any unused value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket for a period of one year from the original ticket issuance”.

Delta also extends assistance to passengers affected by the recent travel restrictions announced by Israel and Japan. The airline is offering a travel waiver for customers who booked flights to Israel and Japan through December 12.

The airline stated on their website that “The health and safety of our employees and customers remain our top priority”.

Aside from Delta, United also announced that it is still going to maintain its operations in South Africa. United said that “We don’t have any adjustments to our schedule at this time”. Plus, it is looking to restart its flights between Newark and Cape Town, South Africa by December 1.