The new flights operate via the airline’s current daily Airbus A330 service to South Africa’s commercial capital Johannesburg.

Cape Town is Etihad’s second destination in South Africa and its fifth on the African continent, joining Khartoum, Cairo and Casablanca.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “South Africa is a leading global destination of choice for tourism and commerce and we are thrilled to launch a daily service to Cape Town, our second city in the country. “In addition to the strong demand for flights from expatriate South African nationals, business and leisure travellers, many thousands of football fans are expected to travel there next year when South Africa hosts the 2010 FIFA World Cup.”

Etihad started flights to Johannesburg in December 2005 and has since then established itself as one of the airline’s most successful destinations.

The new Cape Town service is expected to be welcomed by family and friends of the South African expatriate community living in the UAE which now stands at approximately 40 000 people.

Alan Winde, Western Cape MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “Cape Town and the Western Cape is extremely excited about the increased air connectivity between the destinations. This market is considered critical since it is a perfect match to address key seasonality patterns. We warmly welcome Etihad Airways to our shores and look forward to strengthening our relationship with the Middle East and further growing this tactical and 2010 tourism market. For the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, we invite visitors to go beyond the 90 minutes of the football match and experience Cape Town and the Western Cape in all its beauty and diversity.”