Emirates and SAA Expand Codeshare: New Routes and Seamless Connections Across Africa
The aviation landscape in Africa is witnessing a significant transformation as Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) deepen their longstanding partnership with a newly enhanced reciprocal codeshare agreement. This strategic move, announced just ahead of the peak travel season, is set to redefine connectivity for passengers traveling within South Africa and across the broader African continent, while also strengthening links to global markets.
For nearly three decades, Emirates and SAA have cultivated a robust alliance, consistently delivering value and convenience to travelers. The latest development in their relationship marks a pivotal moment, as both carriers commit to expanding their cooperation to unprecedented levels. The new codeshare agreement is designed to offer smoother journeys, single-ticket itineraries, and seamless baggage transfers for passengers, particularly those navigating the busy corridors between Johannesburg and key domestic destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
Beyond the borders of South Africa, the codeshare unlocks access to a network of 13 regional destinations across Africa. These include major cities and hubs such as Abidjan, Accra, Dar es Salaam, Gaborone, Kinshasa, Windhoek, Lagos, Lusaka, Lubumbashi, Harare, Victoria Falls, and Mauritius . This expansion is particularly significant for the African travel sector, as it enables more efficient feeder traffic from secondary cities into major international gateways, supporting both intra-African and long-haul travel demand.
For Emirates, the enhanced agreement means a stronger foothold in the African market, allowing the airline to tap into the growing demand for connectivity from South Africa and neighboring countries. The codeshare also supports Emirates’ long-haul operations, especially for travelers originating from key markets such as the United Kingdom and the United States, who can now enjoy more streamlined connections to a wider array of African destinations.
On the other side, SAA customers stand to benefit from streamlined access to Dubai, one of the world’s most dynamic aviation hubs. Emirates is set to operate up to 56 weekly flights from three South African gateways, offering SAA passengers a wealth of options for onward travel to 68 international destinations on an interline basis.
This level of connectivity is a game-changer for African travelers, opening up new possibilities for business, leisure, and diaspora travel.
The impact of this partnership is already evident. Since January 2025, more than 45,000 passengers have taken advantage of the existing codeshare, underscoring the strong demand for integrated travel solutions between Africa and the rest of the world. The enhanced agreement is expected to accelerate this trend, driving further growth in passenger numbers and supporting the recovery and expansion of the African aviation sector .
The upgraded codeshare was formalized at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, with senior executives from both airlines—Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Professor M. John Lamola, SAA Group Chief Executive Officer—signing the agreement. This high-profile event not only highlights the importance of the partnership but also signals a renewed commitment to innovation and collaboration in the African aviation industry.
Looking ahead, the agreement outlines several future areas of cooperation that promise to deliver even greater value to customers and stakeholders. These include the integration of loyalty programmes, which will allow frequent flyers to earn and redeem points across both airlines, as well as enhanced cargo operations to support the growing demand for air freight in and out of Africa. Additionally, the two carriers are exploring opportunities to optimise schedules and network synergies, ensuring that connections are as efficient and convenient as possible for travelers.
The significance of this expanded partnership extends beyond the immediate benefits for passengers. For Africa’s travel sector, it represents a blueprint for how airlines can work together to overcome the challenges of a fragmented market, limited direct connectivity, and evolving customer expectations. By pooling resources and aligning strategies, Emirates and SAA are setting a new standard for cooperation that could inspire similar initiatives across the continent.
Industry observers note that the timing of this announcement is particularly opportune. As global travel rebounds and demand surges, African carriers are under increasing pressure to modernize their networks, improve service quality, and offer more competitive products. The Emirates-SAA codeshare is a clear response to these trends, providing a scalable model for growth that leverages the strengths of both partners.
For African travel professionals, the expanded codeshare opens up a host of new opportunities. The ability to offer clients a wider range of destinations, more flexible itineraries, and enhanced service options is a powerful differentiator in a competitive market. Moreover, the partnership’s focus on loyalty integration and cargo development aligns with broader industry shifts towards customer-centricity and diversified revenue streams.
As the aviation sector in Africa continues to evolve, the Emirates and SAA partnership stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience. By deepening their collaboration, the two airlines are not only enhancing connectivity but also laying the groundwork for a more integrated and prosperous future for African aviation. The ripple effects of this agreement will be felt across the continent, as travelers, businesses, and communities benefit from improved access, greater choice, and a renewed sense of possibility.
With the busy travel season approaching, the stage is set for a new era of seamless journeys and expanded horizons. For Africa’s travel industry, the message is clear: strategic partnerships and bold innovation are the keys to unlocking the continent’s vast potential in the years ahead.
