Emirates SAA codeshare boosts Africa travel

The Emirates SAA codeshare expands single-ticket travel across Africa, improving connectivity for passengers and boosting festive-season flights

Emirates Airlines and South African Airways (SAA) have strengthened their nearly 30-year partnership with a fully reciprocal Emirates SAA Codeshare, designed to expand passenger connectivity ahead of the festive travel rush.

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The enhanced agreement, formalised during the 2025 Dubai Airshow, allows Emirates passengers to book single-ticket itineraries with seamless baggage transfer from Johannesburg to domestic destinations including Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha, as well as 13 African cities such as Lagos, Accra, Victoria Falls, and Mauritius.

According to Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim, the partnership has been central to the airline’s African strategy since 1997.

“Our collaboration has created reliable connectivity for passengers to explore more of the globe with simplified, seamless travel. South Africa remains a cornerstone of our African network and one of the busiest routes we serve,” he said.

SAA Group Chief Executive Prof. John Lamola described the agreement as a milestone in the carriers’ 28-year partnership.

“It reflects South African Airways’ commitment to delivering seamless connectivity for our customers and strengthening South Africa’s position as a key aviation hub,” Lamola said.

The memorandum of understanding also outlines deeper cooperation in loyalty programmes, cargo operations, and schedule coordination.

Emirates confirmed it will introduce a third daily flight between Dubai and Cape Town starting 1 July 2026, operated by a Boeing 777, adding more than 600 seats per day to South Africa’s top tourist destination.

Since January, over 45,000 travellers have benefited from the partnership.

Both airlines say the codeshare will strengthen long-haul flows from markets such as the UK and the US while enhancing intra-Africa travel and trade opportunities.

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Kazim added that Emirates and SAA will continue working together to unlock further benefits for mutual customers, reinforcing Africa as a vital hub for global aviation.

David Okere