Italian carrier, Alitalia (AZ), is mulling the resumption of operations from Rome Fiumicino to Johannesburg, South Africa this September as part of the reorganization of its long haul route network. According to Alitalia, Johannesburg has become a "highly requested intercontinental destination". |
| Alitalia DC10 in Johannesburg (JohnKelly) |
The ailing Italian national carrier says the reorganization of its long-haul flights aims at strengthening Alitalia's presence to the most popular destinations. In addition, from the end of March, Alitalia will continue with its international network expansion plan by launching 9 new International
routes out of its hub at Rome Fiumicino.
Johannesburg was previously mentioned as a possibility as far back as 2011.
"The Company [Alitalia]is evaluating the possibility of increasing its intercontinental network with a new connection to South Africa starting from September."
Source [Alitalia]
Alitalia was once a common sight at Johannesburg before the route was dropped in the early 2000s.
Should flights in fact begin, it would be the first service resumption by any Mediterranean based carrier following the pull out of TAP Air Portugal (TP), Iberia (IB) and defunct Greek carrier Olympic Airways (OA) in recent years.
