Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) have expanded their long-standing partnership by introducing a reciprocal codeshare agreement, significantly enhancing connectivity across South Africa and neighbouring countries. The expanded agreement adds nine new destinations to the combined network, providing travellers with more seamless travel options across central and southern Africa.

The partnership marks the next phase of a relationship that has existed for nearly three decades. Since launching their codeshare agreement, SAA has placed its code on Emirates-operated flights between Dubai and Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, while also offering interline connectivity to 68 Emirates destinations via Dubai. Following regulatory approvals, Emirates will now place its code on selected SAA-operated services, extending its reach deeper into the African continent.

The expanded agreement includes three domestic South African routes connecting Johannesburg with Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, alongside six regional services linking Johannesburg with Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), Gaborone (Botswana), Windhoek (Namibia), Lusaka (Zambia), Harare (Zimbabwe), and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).

The reciprocal arrangement enables passengers to book their journeys on a single ticket, benefit from coordinated schedules, and enjoy through-checked baggage to their final destination, making travel across the region more convenient.

Commenting on the expansion, Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, said the agreement represents the natural evolution of a partnership that has successfully served travellers for many years. He noted that the expanded codeshare strengthens Emirates’ long-term commitment to South Africa and provides customers with seamless access to more destinations across the region.

Matshela Seshibe, Acting Group CEO of South African Airways, said the partnership supports SAA’s strategy to strengthen African connectivity while improving access to global markets. He added that combining SAA’s regional network with Emirates’ extensive international reach creates greater value for customers while reinforcing Johannesburg’s position as a major aviation gateway in Africa.

Emirates has served South Africa since 1995, beginning operations with flights to Johannesburg before expanding to Cape Town and Durban. Today, the airline operates 56 weekly flights across the three South African gateways, making the country the only destination in Emirates’ African network served by all three of its widebody aircraft types, the Boeing 777, Airbus A380, and Airbus A350.

Passengers travelling on the new codeshare routes will also have access to Emirates’ Premium Economy product on services between Dubai and both Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The expanded partnership reflects both airlines' continued focus on strengthening regional connectivity, supporting tourism, trade, and business travel while providing passengers with greater choice across Africa.