South African Airways is given permission to fly over the bulge of Africa as negotiations to end apartheid gain momentum
Updated
30 Sep 2019
E-0084249
The release of political prisoners like Nelson Mandela and the end of apartheid in South Africa also signaled the end of sanctions and boycotts on the country by the international community. Since the establishment of apartheid in 1948, various attempts had been made to isolate the country. One area where this was evident was in aviation.
For years, South Africa could not fly over the bulge of Africa. Most African countries had denied it over-flying rights. It was forced to fly around the bulge and refuel at Cape Verde to maintain services to European countries. This ban was lifted on 8 June 1991.
South African History Online. (2012, May 31). South African Airways is given permission to fly over the bulge of Africa as negotiations to end apartheid gain momentum. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0084249
South African History Online (2012) 'South African Airways is given permission to fly over the bulge of Africa as negotiations to end apartheid gain momentum', South African History Online, 31 May. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0084249 (Accessed: 7 November 2026).
South African History Online, South African Airways is given permission to fly over the bulge of Africa as negotiations to end apartheid gain momentum [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0084249, (accessed 7 November 2026).
"South African Airways is given permission to fly over the bulge of Africa as negotiations to end apartheid gain momentum." South African History Online, 31 May 2012, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0084249. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.
South African History Online. "South African Airways is given permission to fly over the bulge of Africa as negotiations to end apartheid gain momentum." South African History Online. May 31, 2012. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0084249.
