‍DALLAS – Lufthansa (LH) has operated its inaugural nonstop flight between Munich Airport (MUC) and Johannesburg's O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).

The German national airline will offer three weekly rotations between MUC and JNB. The new service will operate year-round with a modern widebody aircraft, the Airbus A350-900, which can accommodate up to 293 passengers in Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. 

The inaugural flight, operating as LH 578, departed MUC at 20.29 (local time) and arrived in JNB at 06.43 (local time). Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter, onboard the inaugural flight, symbolically cut the ribbon in Johannesburg to commemorate this exciting route. 

“Munich, with its award-winning airport, is a popular and beautiful city in the heart of Europe. It is also a convenient hub from which to take advantage of numerous onward flights. Our customers in South Africa will have more choice and travel options departing from Johannesburg, as this new connection complements our daily service to Frankfurt. Both routes are priced at the same level, allowing passengers to combine both routes,” Ritter said.

Flight Schedule

To Johannesburg: Flight LH 578 will depart MUC at 20.05 (local time) and arrive in JNB at 06.30 (local time) the following day. This flight operates on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

To Munich: Flight LH 579 will depart JNB at 08.20 (local time) and arrive at 18.50 (local time) the same day. This service is offered on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.

With the Munich-bound flight departing JNB at 08.20 in the morning, travelers now have an alternative daytime flight option to Europe. The flight arrives in MUC at 18.50, a mere 10 and a half hours later, making it one of the shortest flight times from JNB to Western Europe. 

Additional Capacity to South Africa

This service is not entirely new for LH. The airline has previously operated services between MUC and JNB. However, LH suspended this route in October 2005. After a 19-year hiatus, the German flag carrier has proudly resumed its presence between MUC and JNB. The resumed route marks a significant addition to Lufthansa’s network. 

Rene Koinzack, Senior Director Sales Southern and Eastern Africa, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea Lufthansa Group, said, “This inaugural flight is a milestone in our 62-year history in South Africa. Connecting Johannesburg with Munich is an exciting match as Bavaria and Gauteng both show a dynamic business environment, having economic ties in many sectors. Both destinations are also popular with many leisure travelers who find numerous unique attractions - with the benefit of almost no time difference and, therefore, no jetlag. This huge capacity increase will also contribute to the tourism sector in South Africa.”

The resumed flight adds additional capacity out of JNB for LH. It expands LH’s footprint in South Africa. With operations into both JNB and Cape Town (CPT), the Lufthansa Group of Airlines, including LH, SWISS (LX), and Edelweiss (WK), now offer a total of 34 weekly connections to Europe from South Africa for the upcoming winter schedule.