JOHANNESBURG – Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) have taken their 28-year partnership to new heights with the signing of an expanded reciprocal codeshare agreement. The deal, signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Professor M. John Lamola, Group Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, was announced at the 2025 Dubai Airshow.
This strengthened collaboration will offer Emirates passengers seamless access to three domestic South African destinations — Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha — along with 13 regional points across Africa. For SAA customers, the agreement provides more direct routes to Dubai on Emirates’ growing number of weekly flights, along with 68 global destinations via interline connections.
Starting from 1 July 2026, Emirates will operate 56 weekly flights connecting South Africa and Dubai, with enhanced services designed to meet rising demand from long-haul passengers, including those traveling from the UK, US, and across Africa. The codeshare is expected to streamline travel for passengers, particularly those flying between South Africa and the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
As part of its increased commitment to South Africa, Emirates also announced a third daily flight on the Dubai-Cape Town route, operated by a Boeing 777. This new service will add over 600 extra seats daily, catering to growing demand from both inbound and outbound travelers, particularly in the GCC, Europe, and the US.
Emirates has also introduced a retrofitted Boeing 777 on its South African routes, featuring a new Premium Economy cabin, which is expected to elevate the passenger experience on flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg.
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