Emirates and South African Airways have expanded their long standing codeshare partnership, adding nine new domestic and regional routes that will improve connectivity across South Africa and southern Africa. Announced on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, the new reciprocal agreement allows Emirates to place its flight code on selected South African Airways operated routes for the first time. The expansion strengthens Johannesburg’s position as one of Africa’s leading aviation gateways while giving travellers easier access to destinations across the region through a single ticket and coordinated connections.
The agreement marks a significant milestone for both airlines, which have partnered for nearly three decades.
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Emirates and SAA Expand Their Codeshare Partnership
According to Emirates and South African Airways, the expanded agreement introduces a reciprocal codeshare arrangement that broadens travel options for passengers across central and southern Africa.
Until now, the partnership operated on a unilateral basis, with South African Airways placing its flight code on Emirates operated services between Dubai and Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
With regulatory approvals now secured, Emirates will also place its code on selected South African Airways operated flights, allowing customers to book more destinations through a single itinerary.
According to the airlines, passengers will benefit from coordinated flight schedules, through checked baggage and simplified ticketing across both networks.
Nine New Routes Added Across Southern and Central Africa
The expanded partnership introduces nine additional routes operated by South African Airways.
Domestic routes
The new domestic connections include:
- Johannesburg to Cape Town
- Johannesburg to Durban
- Johannesburg to Gqeberha
Regional routes
The agreement also adds flights between Johannesburg and:
- Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Gaborone, Botswana
- Windhoek, Namibia
- Lusaka, Zambia
- Harare, Zimbabwe
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
According to the airlines, these additions provide travellers with improved access to destinations across southern and central Africa.
Johannesburg Strengthens Its Position as an African Aviation Hub
The expansion is expected to reinforce Johannesburg’s role as a major gateway for international and regional travel.
Matshela Seshibe, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, said the partnership supports the airline’s strategy to improve connectivity across Africa while expanding access to international markets.
He said combining South African Airways’ growing African network with Emirates’ global route network would strengthen travel, trade and tourism opportunities while reinforcing Johannesburg’s importance as a regional hub.
Emirates Highlights Long Standing South African Partnership
Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim described the reciprocal agreement as a natural progression of a partnership that has existed for almost 30 years.
According to Kazim, placing the Emirates code on South African Airways’ domestic and regional services provides customers with more seamless access across southern Africa while supporting Emirates’ long term commitment to the South African market.
The airline said the agreement also responds to growing demand for travel to South Africa from key international markets, particularly Europe.
A Partnership Spanning Nearly Three Decades
Emirates and South African Airways have worked together since 1997, making it one of Emirates’ longest standing airline partnerships.
According to the airlines, millions of passengers have travelled through the partnership over the years using single ticket itineraries and coordinated connections.
The latest expansion builds on that relationship by extending travel options beyond South Africa’s major cities into neighbouring countries.
Emirates Continues to Expand in South Africa
Emirates first launched flights to Johannesburg in 1995 before expanding services to Cape Town and Durban.
Today, the airline operates 56 weekly flights across its three South African gateways.
According to Emirates, South Africa is the only destination on its African network served by all three of its wide body aircraft types:
- Boeing 777
- Airbus A380
- Airbus A350
The airline also offers its Premium Economy cabin on selected flights between Dubai and Johannesburg and Cape Town.
How Travellers Will Benefit
Passengers booking flights through the expanded partnership can expect several improvements.
These include:
- Single ticket bookings across both airlines
- Through checked baggage to the final destination
- Coordinated flight schedules
- Improved access to domestic and regional destinations
- Greater flexibility when travelling through Johannesburg
Tickets on the new routes are available through the Emirates and South African Airways websites, travel agents and Emirates retail stores.
Why This Matters for Gauteng Tourism
Johannesburg remains South Africa’s busiest international aviation gateway and serves as the primary hub for South African Airways.
Improved regional and international air connectivity can strengthen Gauteng’s tourism sector by making it easier for international visitors to reach Johannesburg before continuing to destinations across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
For business travellers, the expanded partnership also creates more convenient travel options between Gauteng and several key African cities.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For travellers departing from Gauteng, the expanded codeshare partnership offers greater convenience when booking domestic and regional flights.
Passengers will be able to travel on a single itinerary while benefiting from coordinated connections and baggage transfers across both airline networks.
The agreement also reinforces Johannesburg’s position as a leading aviation hub, supporting business travel, tourism and regional connectivity across Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing in the Emirates and South African Airways partnership?
The airlines have expanded their codeshare agreement to include reciprocal codeshare services, allowing Emirates to place its flight code on selected South African Airways operated routes.
Which new destinations have been added?
The agreement adds Johannesburg connections to Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Kinshasa, Gaborone, Windhoek, Lusaka, Harare and Victoria Falls.
How will passengers benefit?
Travellers can enjoy single ticket bookings, coordinated flight schedules and through checked baggage across both airline networks.
Can tickets already be booked?
Yes. According to the airlines, tickets are now available through the Emirates and South African Airways websites, Emirates retail stores and participating travel agents.
Why is Johannesburg important in the agreement?
Johannesburg serves as South African Airways’ main hub and remains one of Africa’s busiest international gateways, making it a key connection point for domestic, regional and international travellers.
The expanded Emirates and South African Airways partnership marks another step in strengthening air connectivity between South Africa and the rest of Africa. By adding nine new routes and introducing reciprocal codeshare services, the agreement aims to provide travellers with more seamless journeys while supporting Johannesburg’s continued role as one of the continent’s leading aviation hubs.
