The winter-only flights will compete against Thomas Cook, which also plans to launch services next winter. Both carriers believe the weakness of the South African Rand will make the destination very popular over the coming year. A pound now buys around 22 Rand, compared to five years ago, when it bought only 10.
Lynne Embleton, BA’s managing director at Gatwick said: "With its fantastic blend of nature, culture, wildlife and history there’s nowhere quite like Cape Town. Its dramatic coastline, the breath-taking views from Table Mountain and world-renowned vineyards and restaurants make it one of the most popular places in Africa to visit and explore.
"We are incredibly excited to be the only airline to offer direct services from both Gatwick and Heathrow to this hugely popular destination while adding another long-haul route to our rapidly growing network.”
Return economy fares will start from £795, with a lead in of £1,712 in World Traveller Plus and £3,924, for Club World.
Flights will depart on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 18.00, arriving at Cape Town at 07.50 the following morning from November 24.
Cape Town is one of four long-haul destinations BA is launching from Gatwick this year, with flights to Costa Rica starting on April 27, daily flights to New York’s JFK beginning on May 1 and flights to Lima, Peru commencing on May 4.
From winter 2016, BA will add a fourth three class Boeing 777 aircraft to its Gatwick fleet, bringing the total number of Boeing 777s there to 12.
