Planning a trip back to South Africa from the United Kingdom? Ethiopian Airlines has the perfect deal for you!
Affordable Flights from Gatwick to Johannesburg
If you’re thinking of heading “home” to South Africa from the UK for a quick holiday, Ethiopian Airlines has a special offer that might just be the cheapest and most convenient way to get there. With flights now departing from Gatwick, it’s easier than ever for South African expats to travel back to Johannesburg.
Ethiopian Airlines Launches Gatwick to Johannesburg Service
South African expat Claire Roadley recently took full advantage of Ethiopian Airlines’ new service from Gatwick to Johannesburg. Here’s a detailed account of her experience:
“I have worked in the African travel industry for over 25 years, with 23 of those years based in the United Kingdom. During this time, I’ve traveled to South Africa more times than I can count, often for work but sometimes for family holidays. No matter how many times I visit, I’m always eager for my next trip as soon as I’m back in the UK. So, when I had the chance to pop home for 10 days recently, I didn’t hesitate!”
Convenient Departures from Gatwick
For Claire, living just a 10-minute drive from Gatwick Airport in West Sussex made this new Ethiopian Airlines service incredibly convenient. She shared her excitement about trying out the new flight route:
“I downloaded the Ethiopian Airlines app and checked in 72 hours before my flight. The app sent me reminders, and I was given the option to bid for an upgrade, reserve extra legroom, or book an empty seat beside me for $90. I decided to take my chances with seating and ended up with three seats to myself in economy class—a perfect setup for a nap!”
A Memorable Send-Off at Gatwick
Arriving at Gatwick’s North Terminal three hours before her flight, Claire had plenty of time to relax in the Plaza Premium Lounge. Being on the inaugural flight from Gatwick, passengers were treated to a special send-off:
“Ethiopian Airlines made a big deal of the first flight out of Gatwick. There was a raffle for a free flight and a Business Class upgrade, which created quite a buzz in the departure lounge. We also got a slice of celebratory cake and an iced airplane biscuit before boarding the fairly new Airbus A350-900.”
The flight departed at 10:10 AM, a time Claire found ideal because it eliminated the pressure to sleep on a day flight.
In-Flight Experience
The in-flight experience on Ethiopian Airlines was positive, with a good selection of movies and TV shows available on the entertainment system. Claire opted to watch one of her favorite movies, “Life as We Know It,” and enjoyed the attentive service from the crew.
“I’m not a big fan of eating on flights, but the curry and rice was good. The crew was friendly, and I had a comfortable nap. On the return journey, my screen didn’t work, but I made the most of it by reading a book from cover to cover—something I rarely get to do!”
Transit Through Addis Ababa
The flight landed at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport at around 8:40 PM. Claire was pleasantly surprised by the upgrades at the airport since her last visit a decade ago:
“Navigating through Bole International was fairly easy, with plenty of transit signs in English. I only had a two-hour and 50-minute layover, which wasn’t enough time to visit the lounge, so I grabbed a couple of samosas and a coffee at a café near the departure gate. A tip for travelers: the shops don’t take card payments, and you won’t get change if you pay with foreign currency.”
Arriving at OR Tambo International Airport
The flight landed at OR Tambo International Airport at around 4:00 AM. Despite the early hour, Claire found the experience much better than landing later in the morning when the airport is busier:
“The airport was super quiet, and we barely had to queue at all for passport control. The only downside was that baggage collection took a little while.”
Returning to the UK
On her return journey, Claire’s flight from Johannesburg departed at 2:30 PM on a Saturday, allowing her to avoid rush hour traffic. After checking in at Gates B068-B075, she had time to enjoy a buffet lunch in the Aspire Lounge:
“The Aspire Lounge is quite new, and they have the most delicious mini milk tarts. It’s accessible to anyone for about £26 per person, including three hours of unlimited food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. I used my Priority Pass to access the lounge for free.”
Layover in Addis Ababa
With a three-and-a-half-hour layover in Addis Ababa, Claire took the opportunity to relax in the Sheba Cloud Nine C9 Business Lounge, which is conveniently located opposite Gate A13:
“The lounge is huge, and even though it was late, they had a hot buffet available. I tried some local delicacies, caught up on emails, and used the facilities. They even have a special children’s room and a traditional Ethiopian Coffee ceremony at the entrance.”
The flight from Addis Ababa to Gatwick landed at 5:15 AM, just in time for breakfast at home.
Addis Ababa: A Hub of Activity
Addis Ababa serves as a major hub, connecting over 62 destinations across Africa and hundreds more globally. The flying time from Gatwick to Addis Ababa is around seven and a half hours, followed by another five and a half hours to Johannesburg:
“In total, I spent about 13 hours in the seat—not much longer than a direct flight, which usually takes 11 hours to Johannesburg. The layover in Addis Ababa provided a nice break to stretch my legs and save some money. Cape Town is just an hour longer.”
Why Choose Ethiopian Airlines?
Ethiopian Airlines offers a very affordable and straightforward option for expats looking to visit friends and family in South Africa. At the time of Claire’s trip, the airline was running a launch special of around £483, including taxes:
“One of the best benefits of traveling with Ethiopian Airlines is the 2 x 23kg luggage allowance, which is standard. This means you can take an extra case for gifts and shopping. Make sure to sign up for their Sheba loyalty scheme to collect air miles.”
The Convenience of Flying from Gatwick
Flying out of Gatwick is incredibly convenient, especially for those living in the South of England. Gatwick is the UK’s best-connected airport by train, making it easy to reach without the stress of dealing with traffic on the M25 or trekking to Heathrow:
“You can also take the National Express bus from Heathrow to Gatwick for around £25. Ethiopian Airlines currently flies from Gatwick to Addis Ababa three times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.”
Fun Facts About Gatwick
Gatwick Airport has a rich history, with its name first mentioned in 1241, derived from the words “Goat Farm.” The airport is located on land that was first used as an aerodrome in the 1920s. Today, Gatwick is London’s second-busiest airport, with around 450 departures a day during the summer period, serving 46 million passengers on 90 different airlines to over 230 destinations globally.
Conclusion: A Great Option for SA Expats
Ethiopian Airlines provides a fantastic option for South African expats looking to travel home. With affordable fares, generous luggage allowances, and convenient flight times, it’s no wonder that Ethiopian Airlines is becoming a popular choice for those flying from the UK to South Africa
