South African Airways and Turkish Airlines launch new codeshare partnership

Travellers heading to Southern Africa now have more flexible flight options thanks to a new codeshare partnership between South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa, and Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Türkiye. The agreement officially took effect on 15 July 2026, with the first codeshare flights operating from 16 July 2026.

A codeshare allows two airlines to sell seats on each other's flights, making it easier to book connecting journeys on a single ticket and, on eligible itineraries, enjoy smoother transfers and through-checked baggage.

Under the new partnership:

• Turkish Airlines now places its TK flight code on selected South African Airways domestic and regional services from Johannesburg to:
• Cape Town
• Durban
• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
• Windhoek
• Harare
• Victoria Falls
• Mauritius

• South African Airways places its SA flight code on Turkish Airlines services linking Southern Africa with:
• Istanbul
• Paris
• London
• Frankfurt

For travellers, the partnership offers easier connections via Johannesburg and Istanbul, providing improved access to destinations across Southern Africa as well as Turkish Airlines' extensive global network.

 

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South African Airways and CemAir launch domestic codeshare partnership!

South African Airways (SAA) has entered into a strategic domestic codeshare agreement with privately owned South African airline CemAir, marking a significant expansion of air connectivity within South Africa. This partnership strengthens connectivity between major cities and niche destinations not previously served by SAA’s network.

Unlike SAA’s existing codeshare agreements, which primarily focus on regional African and long-haul international routes, this collaboration is exclusively domestic. Its core objective is to improve accessibility, convenience, and network depth for travellers moving within South Africa.

Under the agreement, both airlines will place their respective codes on selected flights, allowing passengers to book seamless, single-ticket itineraries via official airline websites, mobile applications, and authorised travel agents. The codeshare also enables baggage through-check and coordinated service standards, simplifying travel between primary gateways and secondary destinations.

CemAir’s Role in regional connectivity
Established in 2005, CemAir has built a strong reputation as a reliable regional carrier, operating scheduled services between key business centres and leisure destinations. Its route network includes Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, George, East London, Gqeberha, Margate, Kimberley, Hoedspruit, and Mala Mala, among others.

Operating a fleet of regional jets and turboprop aircraft, CemAir plays a critical role in connecting remote and niche destinations to South Africa's main aviation hubs. The new partnership complements SAA’s network by extending reach into areas that are vital for tourism, business travel, and regional economic development.

Key benefits for travellers

• Expanded access to regional leisure and business destinations
• Single-ticket itineraries with seamless connections and baggage transfers
• Integrated booking across South African Airways and CemAir platforms

The SAA–CemAir codeshare partnership represents a practical enhancement to South Africa's domestic aviation landscape, offering greater choice and improved connectivity for both local and international travellers.

Ticket sales for codeshare flights will open on 26 January 2026.

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South African Airways and Turkish Airlines sign new codeshare agreement!

South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa, and Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Türkiye, have officially signed a new codeshare agreement, strengthening connectivity between South Africa, Türkiye, and key global destinations. The partnership was formalized on 04 December 2025 during a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, held alongside the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB) meeting and attended by senior executives from both airlines.

Under the agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its “TK” code on SAA-operated flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Windhoek, Harare, Victoria Falls, and Mauritius. In return, South African Airways will add its “SA” code to Turkish Airlines-operated flights linking Istanbul with Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Frankfurt, Paris, and London.

The partnership aims to enhance network expansion, improve travel options for passengers, and create new strategic route opportunities across Africa, Europe, and beyond. Ticket sales for the new codeshare flights will open on 01 March 2026.

 

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South African Airways & TAAG Angola Airlines launch new codeshare agreement to boost regional & global connectivity!

South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier of South Africa, and Angola’s state-owned TAAG Angola Airlines have announced a new strategic codeshare agreement designed to strengthen regional and long-haul connectivity across Africa, Europe, and South America. Ticket sales are now open, with travel under the new partnership having commenced on 01 December 2025.
This new collaboration positions Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Luanda as major connecting hubs, enabling easier, faster, and more convenient travel for passengers across the combined networks of both airlines.

Expanded route access for seamless travel
Under the partnership, SAA will place its flight code on TAAG-operated services from Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT) to Luanda (LAD). Travellers also gain smooth onward connections from Luanda to two key intercontinental destinations:

• Lisbon, Portugal
• São Paulo, Brazil

In return, TAAG customers will enjoy access to several important points within SAA’s Southern African network, including:

• Durban (DUR)
• Gqeberha (PLZ)
• Cape Town (CPT)
• Harare (HRE)
• Lusaka (LUN)

One ticket, one journey: A better passenger experience
The codeshare agreement allows both airlines to jointly market and sell tickets, offering travellers:

• A broader selection of destinations
• The convenience of booking a single ticket in their local currency
• Integrated check-in and baggage handling
• Smoother connections between regional and international flights

Overall, the partnership delivers enhanced flexibility and a more streamlined travel experience across both airline networks.

Strengthening intra-african connectivity
Beyond passenger benefits, the SAA–TAAG cooperation supports wider goals of improving air connectivity across Africa. The agreement facilitates easier movement for business travellers, boosts tourism flows between Southern and Central Africa, and strengthens trade and diplomatic ties. By improving access to regional and global markets, the partnership contributes to economic growth and enhanced international engagement.

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Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) enhance codeshare agreement!

Emirates and South African Airways (SAA), building on almost three decades of strong and successful partnership, are set to further enhance their relationship with a new reciprocal codeshare agreement ahead of the busy peak travel season. The expanded cooperation will strengthen connectivity for travellers, offering smoother journeys across South Africa and the wider African region.

Under the new arrangement, Emirates passengers will benefit from single-ticket itineraries and seamless baggage transfers when travelling from Johannesburg to three major domestic destinations in South Africa – Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The codeshare will also unlock convenient access to 13 regional destinations across Africa, including Abidjan, Accra, Dar es Salaam, Gaborone, Kinshasa, Windhoek, Lagos, Lusaka, Lubumbashi, Harare, Victoria Falls and Mauritius.
This expansion strengthens Emirates’ ability to tap into feeder traffic from South Africa and the wider region, while supporting long-haul connectivity for travellers from key markets such as the UK and the US.

SAA customers will continue to enjoy streamlined access to Dubai, supported by Emirates’ soon-to-be 56 weekly flights from three South African gateways, and onward travel to 68 international destinations available on an interline basis. Since January 2025, more than 45,000 passengers have already taken advantage of the existing partnership.

The upgraded agreement was signed at the 2025 Dubai Airshow by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Professor M. John Lamola, SAA Group Chief Executive Officer. The new agreement also outlines future areas of collaboration, including loyalty programme integration, cargo operations, and opportunities to optimise schedules and network synergies.

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South Africa: South African Airways (SAA) expands flight schedule for the Festive Season 2025/2026!

South African Airways (SAA) has announced a major boost to its regional and international flight schedule to cater for increased travel demand during the upcoming festive season. From 01 October 2025, the airline will introduce additional services on some of its most popular routes, providing passengers with more flexibility and convenience when planning their holiday and business travel.

Expanded flight frequencies:

• Johannesburg – Accra (Ghana | ACC): From 01 October 2025, flights increase to six times per week, with new departures on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Johannesburg – Lagos (Nigeria | LOS): From 06 October 2025, flights increase to six times per week, with new departures on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Johannesburg – São Paulo (Brazil | GRU): From 10 December 2025, two additional weekly services will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays, strengthening SAA’s intercontinental connectivity.

These seasonal uplifts will run until 11 February 2026, ensuring that both leisure and corporate travellers benefit from improved flight options during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
With enhanced frequencies across West Africa and South America, South African Airways continues to position itself as a leading hub carrier at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, connecting Africa with the world.

Tip for Travellvers: Early bookings are strongly recommended, as festive season flights traditionally sell out quickly.

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South African Airways to launch twice-daily flights between Johannesburg and Gaborone from November 2025!

South African Airways (SAA) has announced the introduction of a new twice-daily flight service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone, starting 04 November 2025. Bookings for this route are now open.
The new service strengthens SAA’s regional network in Southern Africa, offering greater convenience and seamless connectivity for both business and leisure travellers.

Flight Schedule: Johannesburg > Gaborone > Johannesburg:

• Morning Service
• Johannesburg > Gaborone: Departs 06:50, arrives 07:45
• Gaborone > Johannesburg: Departs 08:25, arrives 09:25
• Afternoon Service
• Johannesburg > Gaborone: Departs 16:25, arrives 17:20
• Gaborone > Johannesburg: Departs 18:00, arrives 19:00

With two daily return flights, seven days a week, SAA aims to meet growing demand for direct travel between South Africa and Botswana, enhancing regional trade, tourism, and corporate travel opportunities.

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South African Airways to launch direct flights from Cape Town to Mauritius in December 2025!

South African Airways (SAA) is set to expand its route network with the introduction of a non-stop service between Cape Town and Mauritius, starting Tuesday, 09 December 2025. This new route will connect Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town with Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) on Mauritius, offering travellers in the Western Cape a convenient and direct link to the island paradise of Mauritius.
The launch of this direct service marks a significant milestone in SAA’s strategic growth, strengthening regional connectivity, improving customer choice, and enhancing the airline’s African and Indian Ocean network.
SAA will operate three weekly flights on this route, departing every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Passengers can choose from two convenient departure times to suit their travel needs:

• Cape Town to Mauritius:
• Departure at 09:25, arriving in Mauritius at 16:30 (approx. 5-hour flight duration)
• Mauritius to Cape Town:
• Departure at 17:20, arriving in Cape Town at 21:30

To align with seasonal travel demand, the flight frequency will be temporarily reduced to two flights per week between mid-January and mid-March 2026. This adjustment ensures operational efficiency while maintaining vital air links between South Africa and Mauritius.

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South African Airways (SAA) unveils new domestic and regional routes amid expansion plans!

South African Airways (SAA) has announced the launch of several new domestic and regional routes as part of its strategic growth plan. Speaking at Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, SAA’s Interim Chief Commercial Officer, Tebogo Tsimane, revealed the airline’s plans to strengthen its network and reestablish its position as a key player in the Southern African aviation market.

New domestic routes:

• Johannesburg to George: Set to commence in April 2026.
• Johannesburg to East London: Launch date to be confirmed.
• Cape Town to Durban : Launch date to be confirmed.

New regional routes:

• Johannesburg to Gaborone, Botswana: Service launching in October 2025.
• Cape Town to Mauritius: Seasonal service beginning November 2025.

International expansion plans:

In line with its broader global strategy, SAA has also confirmed plans to resume intercontinental flights in 2026. The airline intends to introduce new routes from South Africa to Mumbai, India, and Guangzhou, China, with connections via Southeast Asia.

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South African Airways to increase daily flights between Johannesburg and Windhoek from May 2025!

South African Airways (SAA) is set to expand its services to Namibia with the introduction of a third daily flight between Johannesburg and Windhoek. Starting 01 May 2025, the airline will operate three daily flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek.
The new early morning flight will depart Johannesburg at 05:55, arriving in Windhoek at 07:50. The additional return flight from Namibia will take off from Windhoek at 14:30, landing in Johannesburg at 16:15.
This increased frequency aims to offer travellers more flexibility and convenience when flying between South Africa and Namibia, enhancing both business and leisure travel options.

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South Africa: South African Airways (SAA) pilots begin "work-to-rule" industrial action! [update]

update (25 March 2025): South African Airways (SAA) announced on 24 March 2025 that its pilots have accepted the salary and benefits package extended, effectively concluding the work-to-rule industrial action immediately.
This decision marks a pivotal moment as it concludes the 2024 Wage Negotiations for the pilots’ bargaining unit.

South African Airways (SAA) has announced that pilots affiliated with the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) and the National Transport Movement (NTM) Pilot Forum have commenced "work-to-rule" industrial action as of 19 March 2025.

"Work-to-rule" is a form of protest where employees adhere strictly to official working hours and regulations, often leading to reduced efficiency and output. This strategy - also known as a go-slow - is commonly used to maintain pressure on employers during labor disputes.

The action follows the breakdown of salary negotiations between SAA and its pilots, which began in May 2024. Despite prolonged discussions, no agreement was reached, prompting pilots to take this step.

SAA Group CEO Prof. John Lamola assured passengers that the airline has implemented strong contingency measures to minimize disruptions. However, the situation adds further strain to an airline already facing financial challenges, including:

• High fuel costs
• A weakened rand
• Intense market competition
• Ongoing labor and productivity concerns

South African Airways (SAA) continues to navigate these difficulties while striving to maintain its service standards. Travellers are advised to stay updated on potential delays or schedule changes.

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South Africa: South African Airways (SAA) relaunches flights to Dar es Salaam!

South African Airways (SAA) has relaunched flights to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Effective today (20 January 2025), the airline is operating daily return flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNB) in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Flights depart Johannesburg at 22:00 and arrive in Dar es Salaam at 02:30+1. The daily service from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg departs at 05:10 to arrive in Johannesburg at 07:55. Dar es Salaam is one hour ahead of Johannesburg.

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South Africa: South African Airways (SAA) facing possible strike by its pilots! [update #3]

update (07 December 2024): South African Airways (SAA) has announced that the pilots' strike, which began on 05 December 2024, has been suspended as of 02:00 this morning. This resolution follows successful negotiations between SAA Executive Management and the South African Airways Pilots Association (SAAPA). The airline is expected to return to a 100% flight schedule by 08 December 2024, with more than 100 pilots returning to their duties by 12:00 today (07 December 2024). We'll keep you posted!

update (05 December 2024): According to Khaya Buthelezi, SAA's senior manager of corporate relations, flights to Perth in Australia and Sao Paulo in Brazil have both been canceled as no partner airlines could be found to transfer passengers to.

update (05 December 2024): The pilots started striking this morning at 07:00. According to SAA, the strike's length is unclear. It will impact all SAA-operated flights on domestic and regional routes, including Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Windhoek, and Mauritius. However, flights by SAA’s codeshare and Star Alliance partners will operate as scheduled.

Did you have a delayed or canceled flight? Get up to £520 compensation per passenger, no matter the ticket price. No win, no fee! [ad]

South African Airways (SAA) is facing a strike by its pilots. The airline announced on 03 December 2024  that after protracted wage negotiations it has received a notification from the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) expressing their intent to embark on a strike action commencing 05 December 2024. According to SAA, the management of the airline is doing everything possible to avoid a strike by pilots, or any disruptions to its operations, especially during the December peak season.

“SAA has only recently regained its operational viability after emerging from business rescue in 2021. In order not to disrupt this momentum, we are committed to ongoing negotiations with SAAPA and to do everything possible to reach a fair settlement that is mutually beneficial to both the pilots and the company”, said SAA Interim Chief Executive Officer Professor John Lamola.

We'll keep you posted!

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South Africa: South African Airways eyes international growth with new routes to Europe, US, and Asia!

South African Airways (SAA) is gearing up for significant growth in its international operations, according to interim CEO John Lamola. In an interview with Bloomberg, Lamola revealed plans to expand the airline's global network, including launching flights to London in the UK by December 2025. Additional destinations under consideration include the United States, Germany, and China.
Lamola also noted growing interest from banks eager to discuss potential lending arrangements with SAA. These funds would support the airline's ambitious route expansion plans.
Currently, SAA operates a fleet of 16 aircraft and serves 16 destinations. The airline is set to receive seven additional planes in 2025, enhancing its capacity to expand into key markets in Europe, North America, and Asia.

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South African Airways (SAA): More flights to key destinations!

South African flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has announced a significant increase in its flight frequencies to key African destinations, starting next month. Starting in November 2024, SAA will operate 12 weekly flights to both RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, up from the current 10 times a week to Harare and up from 7 to Lusaka. Flights to Lagos (Nigeria) and Accra (Ghana) will increase to four times a week, up from three weekly flights. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), SAA will enhance its presence by flying five times a week to N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa. Domestically, SAA will increase its flights to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to three times a day.

South African Airways (SAA) is also set to increase the frequency of its flights to Mauritius and Perth in Western Australia. The airline will begin flying twice daily to Mauritius from the beginning of December 2024 to coincide with peak holiday season. The first additional frequency to Perth will commence in December 2024 and the second will be added from January 2025, taking the number of return flights to Perth five times a week.

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South African Airways increases flights between Johannesburg <> Windhoek!

According to Air Connect Namibia, a collaborative air service development initiative led by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) and mandated to improve air access to Namibia, South African Airways (SAA) is set to increase its service to Windhoek. The South African flag carrier will commence a third daily frequency connecting OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg from with Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek on 27 October 2024. The new frequency will be serviced by SAA’s modern Airbus A320 fleet.

Johannesburg 05:45 > 07:40 Windhoek (NEW!)
Johannesburg 09:05 > 11:00 Windhoek
Johannesburg 15:00 > 16:55 Windhoek

Windhoek 08:30 > 10:15 Johannesburg (NEW!)
Windhoek 11:50 > 13:35 Johannesburg
Windhoek 17:45 > 19:30 Johannesburg

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South African Airways increases flights between Johannesburg <> Harare!

South African flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has announced that it will increase the number of flights to Harare in Zimbabwe to cater for the growing demand. According to the airline, two additional frequencies per week between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare will be introduced with effect from 05 November 2024. The additional flights will increase the number of frequencies from 10 to 12 per week.

Harare flight details:  
Harare 07:20 > 09:00 Johannesburg (Monday to Friday)
Harare 12:25 > 14:05 Johannesburg (Daily)

Johannesburg flight details:
Johannesburg 10:00 > 11:35 Harare (Daily)
Johannesburg 20:10 > 21:45 Harare (Sunday to Thursday)

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South African Airways launches flights to Lubumbashi (DR Congo)!

South African flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), will introduce a new service to Lubumbashi, the second-largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The airline is set to operate five weekly direct flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM) in Lubumbashi. Flights will depart Johannesburg at 10:50 and arrive in Lubumbashi at 13:20. The return flight will depart Lubumbashi at 14:10 and will arrive in Johannesburg at 17:50. The new service will commence on 01 November 2024.

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South African Airways increases flights between Johannesburg <> Perth!

South African flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), is set to up the frequency of its nonstop service to Perth in Western Australia. The airline will increase the number of weekly flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Perth Airport (PER) in Perth to four (JNB: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays; PER: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays) between 08 December 2024 and 06 January 2025. From 07 January 2025, SAA will operate five weekly return flights to Perth. The additional flight will depart Johannesburg on Mondays, while the return flight will depart Perth on Tuesdays.

South African Airways (SAA) resumes its nonstop Australian service in April 2024. Perth is only the second international destination the carrier recommenced flights to after the Covid-19 pandemic.

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South Africa: South African Airways increases flights to Mauritius!

South African Airways (SAA) has announced that it will increase its number of flights to Mauritius. The airline will introduce a second daily morning flight to meet the growing demand from travellers between South Africa and the tropical island destination. Effective 01 December 2024, the first morning flight will depart OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg at 09:40 and arrive at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) on Mauritius at 15:40, while the second morning flight will start in Johannesburg at 10:45 and land on Mauritius at 16:45. The return flights will depart Mauritius at 16:30 (arrival time im Johannesburg at 18:45) and 17:35 (arrival time in Johannesburg at 20:00).

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