Austrian Airlines is now offering direct flights from Vienna to Cape Town. The airline is hosting weekly flights on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Wednesdays and Sundays during the local summer season.
The launch of the new route took flight on October 27 and will travel directly from Vienna to Cape Town, with a duration of about 11 hours and 25 minutes.
Flights from Vienna to Cape Town will take place on Tuesday and Saturday with returning flights taking place on Wednesday and Sunday.
CEO of Austrian Airlines, Alexis von Hoensbroech, is thrilled with the new travel offer.
“We are proud to commence flight operations on this new route and are pleased to expand our offering in the tourism segment thanks to the flights to Cape Town,” von Honesbroech said.
The first flight was completely sold out and this direct route is predicted to open new doors for tourism in both Cape Town and Austria.
Yesterday our CEO @AHoensbroech successfully opened our new route from Vienna to #Capetown and was greeted by a very special character from the show Afrika!Afrika! (no worries, the elephant ? is actually human and moved by two persons inside) pic.twitter.com/q1UKZIQZcX
— Austrian Airlines (@_austrian) October 28, 2018
A Boeing 777 will be used for the trip and is equipped to seat 306 passengers, providing Business class, Premium Economy and Economy Class. The airline constructed and designed a Boeing 777 aircraft, dubbed ‘Sibanye’ – meaning ‘we are one’ – for the new route.
The aircraft was designed earlier in 2018 and is a new addition to the airlines fleet.
Fares are priced from approximately R5 856,68 per person, with peak season taken into account flights will increase up to R12 025 per person in December 2018.
Route details
| Routes | Flight Number and Days | Departure – Arrival (local times |
| Vienna – Cape Town | OS31 – Tuesday and Saturday | 10.15am -10.40pm |
| Cape Town – Vienna | OS32- Wednesday and Sunday | 00.20am – 10.50am |
We have compiled a list of activities to do while visiting the quaint and culturally rich city of Vienna.
5 Must-do activities in Vienna
1. Schönrunn Palace and Gardens
Visit the historic palace in Vienna – tours of the garden are available along with an inside view of the massive structure housing a large number of rooms. Each room is decorated with luxurious finishes, showcasing the royalty of the 17th century.
It is the main tourist attraction and holds cultural importance for Austria. It was commissioned to be built by Emperor Leopold the first. The renowned glass greenhouse is a must-see structure in the gardens.
2. Prater Amusement Park
Head to one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, the Prater Amusement Park. The giant wheel located in the park is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and offers riders an opportunity for a unique view of Vienna.
Try out the Vienna rollercoaster and the Liliputbahn, a light railway train that covers a trip of 4km through the amusement park and the main alley.
3. Naschmarkt
Explore the flavours of Vienna at the Naschmarkt with more than 100 food, restaurants and vintage stalls available. Exotic fruits, local cheese and wines are available as well.
4. Donauturum
For the best vantage point of the city of Vienna, the Donauturm (the viewing tower) is the ideal spot offering a 360° panoramic viewpoint. It is the tallest structure in Austria and one of the countries most iconic landmark.
5. St. Stephens Cathedral
With over 230 000 multi-glazed coloured tiles, the St. Stephens Cathedral is an architectural wonder, while visiting the cathedral during the day, guests can enjoy the lights that filter through the windows and resemble a rainbow.
The Cathedral is also where Mozart got married and baptized his children.
Picture: Unsplash