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Johannesburg – Business travel in 2025 was characterised by disruption: regional conflict, extreme weather, strikes and, most recently, an unexpected Airbus software update which grounded more than 6,000 flights worldwide.
On a positive note, business travel is showing strong momentum heading into 2026, with 46% of companies across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) planning to increase their travel spend in FY26 – up from 39% last year – according to the Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) latest State of the Market survey.
Significantly, 36% of FCTG’s business travel customers around the world plan to raise their travel spend by as much as 20% – seeing business travel as an integral part of growth, innovation, opportunity and career development.
There’s no doubt the corporate travel landscape has changed. Demand is up, booking windows have shortened, and external factors will continue to impact even the best laid plans.
So, we spoke to Herman Heunes, GM of Corporate Traveller South Africa about what business travellers can really expect as we go into a brand new year…
HOT ROUTES
A new year ushers in new routes and while there are far too many to mention, notable examples include:
- Qantas’ new direct Johannesburg-Perth route, which cuts travel time to under 11 hours, boosting business and leisure opportunities between South Africa and Western Australia.
- LATAM Airlines’ direct São Paulo-Cape Town flights, launching September 2026.
- Airlink’s new Johannesburg-Nacala service from February 2026, providing increased connectivity to Mozambique’s north-eastern region.
- Air France’s seasonal Paris-Cape Town route, which has been extended into May 2026 due to high demand.
- Air Europa’s highly anticipated Johannesburg-Madrid route, which could launch early 2026.
“More international carriers are expanding into underserved regions and emerging markets,” says Heunes. “It’s good news for Africa, and we’ve seen United, Delta and Air France launching new routes to destinations like Dakar, Accra, Marrakech and Lagos.
HOT HUBS
According to the IMF, 11 African economies rank among the world’s twenty fastest-growing economies this decade, with Senegal (projected to reach 8.8% growth in 2025), Côte d’Ivoire (6.4%) and Ghana (4%) leading the charge. West Africa’s major hubs are driving growth through oil & gas, agriculture, ICT and logistics infrastructure, while secondary cities like Kumasi (Ghana), Lomé (Togo), and Tamale (Ghana) are also playing their part – meaning business travel is on the up.
The only thing missing? True connectivity. Limited air access, high travel costs and visa restrictions are all barriers to growth – and Heunes hopes 2026 will see more progress.
“Regional connectivity remains our biggest challenge. African businesses deserve the same aviation infrastructure as other regions, including multiple daily frequencies, dependable service, and real competition – rather than the high fares and limited choice available now.”
HOT INTEL
According to International SOS’s Risk Outlook report, 2026 risks include weather events, geopolitical conflict, sudden visa rule changes, cyberattacks, misinformation, health outbreaks, and capacity shortages during major events.
Heunes agrees. “Disruption is no longer the exception. Companies will need to relook their corporate travel policies and service level agreements (SLAs), prioritising quick response times, 24-hour travel support and duty of care.”
HOT TOPIC
Will price still trump convenience and wellbeing in 2026? Heunes believes things are beginning to shift.
“Convenience, wellness, and wellbeing are taking centre stage as companies recognise that supported, comfortable travellers are more productive, engaged, and loyal. This means policies that allow for bleisure opportunities, build in downtime, accommodate neurodivergent needs, and prioritise practical support over penny-pinching are the way forward,” says Heunes. “Put simply, 2026 is all about the traveller experience. Think easy, efficient systems, flexibility, and fair travel policies that focus on the human experience. It’ll be your competitive advantage.”
HOT BUTTON
Sustainability. And business travel’s progress – or lack thereof.
Speaking at the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Southern Africa Conference back in August, Gerrit Davids, Lead Advisor at TaranisCo Advisory, was clear: business travel is yet to make meaningful strides when it comes to sustainability. In fact, most corporate travel policies and supplier agreements haven’t been touched in years. They’re simply not fit for the era of real, urgent climate action.
But South Africa’s landmark Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 is about to shake things up.
The Act introduces legally binding climate actions for anyone doing business in South Africa. Carbon budgets, caps on greenhouse gas emissions, mandatory measurement, supplier accountability – the works. And here’s the kicker: most travel and procurement policies will have to be updated to align with the Act’s requirements, which means sustainability will move up the agenda in 2026.
HOT RULES
IATA’s new safety guidelines around lithium batteries and portable power banks mean you can no longer pack batteries or power banks in your checked luggage (carry-on only) or charge your devices mid-flight.
“More and more airlines are introducing restrictions on transporting, using and charging devices in the aircraft, especially when it comes to the use of power banks” says Heunes. “It’s better to be forewarned, so double-check your airline’s specific regulations before traveling to avoid surprises at the gate.”
HOT HACKS
Again, too many to mention. But Heunes’ favourites?
- Download your TMC’s app and airline app for instant alerts and updates – and travel support during disruptions.
- Instead of buying a physical local SIM card or paying for expensive roaming, use an eSIM. There are various apps that you can now use.
- If you do not have a Samsung Smart Tag or Apple Air tag, get one for your checked luggage. Always knowing where your luggage means extra piece of mind!
HOT EVENT
Mining Indaba in Cape Town (February 2026) is Africa’s largest mining investment conference, attracting thousands of executives and investors just as global interest in African minerals reaches a fever pitch. Book early, as flights and accommodation will be hard to come by.
HOT TAKE
For Heunes, agility and flexibility matter more than ever. Ensure 24/7 support is part of your travel programme, not an add-on. Update traveller profiles with current contacts, preferences, and medical needs. Review your travel policy against new regulations and sustainability requirements. Partner with TMCs who understand regional complexities and can respond quickly when plans change.
“The companies set to succeed in 2026 aren’t just booking trips – they’re protecting people, managing risk, and making informed choices about where and how their teams travel,” says Heunes.