Most Popular Air Travel Destinations Among South Africans 2025

In 2025, South African air travel is not just about where’s far, it is about what’s worth it. Rest of Africa remaining the top air travel choice (21% in 2025). But what’s changed is the leveling of long-haul interest: North America, Western Europe, Central and South America, and even the Middle East are now neck and neck at 11–15%, suggesting travelers are hedging bets amid rising airfare, shifting visa policies, and global instability. The drop from 2023’s 18% for Western Europe and 17% for North America points to more cautious planning, especially with ongoing Schengen visa bottlenecks and tighter U.S. entry rules.

For deeper insights, discover South African travelers’ lodging preferences, South Africans’ travel preferences, Key travel planning methods among South African travelers.