Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) have expanded their long-standing partnership, introducing a reciprocal codeshare agreement that opens up nine additional destinations across southern and central Africa.
The move marks a shift from a previously one-sided arrangement to a two-way partnership, allowing both airlines to place their codes on each other’s flights and broaden network reach.
Reciprocal agreement boosts regional connectivity
Under the expanded agreement, Emirates will now place its code on SAA-operated flights, extending access beyond South Africa into key regional markets.
The nine new routes include domestic connections from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, alongside regional services to Kinshasa, Gaborone, Windhoek, Lusaka, Harare and Victoria Falls.
The airlines said the expansion simplifies travel by enabling single-ticket bookings, coordinated schedules and through-checked baggage across the combined network.
Long-standing partnership evolves
Emirates and SAA have partnered for almost 30 years, with the original codeshare allowing SAA to place its code on Emirates flights between South Africa and Dubai, as well as access to 68 onward destinations via the Gulf hub.
“This reciprocal codeshare partnership… is a natural evolution of a relationship that has served our customers well for many years,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer.
SAA Acting Group CEO Matshela Seshibe said the agreement supports the airline’s strategy to strengthen connectivity across Africa while improving access to global markets.
Implications for travel trade and connectivity
The expanded partnership responds to growing demand for travel to South Africa, particularly from Europe, while also improving access to secondary destinations across the region.
For the trade, the enhanced network provides more flexible routing options and easier access to multi-destination itineraries across southern and central Africa.
Tickets are now available via both airlines’ websites and through travel agents.
The agreement reinforces Johannesburg’s role as a key aviation hub and highlights ongoing airline investment in African connectivity.
