Turkish Airlines and South African Airways will launch a new codeshare partnership from 1 March 2026, expanding connectivity between Africa, Türkiye and key global markets. The agreement adds TK codes on major SAA African routes and SA codes on selected Turkish Airlines flights to Europe and İstanbul, boosting tourism and trade. (Image: Turkish Airways)
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Turkish Airlines9 December 2025
Turkish Airlines and South African Airways (SAA) have signed a new codeshare agreement that will significantly enhance air connectivity between Africa, Türkiye, and key global markets. The agreement, which takes effect on 1 March 2026, was formally signed in Geneva by Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, and Prof. John Lamola, Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, in the presence of senior leadership from both carriers.
The partnership allows each airline to place its flight code on select services operated by the other, creating seamless travel opportunities for passengers and expanding both airlines’ network reach through a single booking.
Under the agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its “TK” code on South African Airways flights across major Southern African and regional destinations, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Windhoek, Harare, Victoria Falls, and Mauritius. This gives Turkish Airlines passengers significantly broader access across Southern Africa via SAA’s well-established regional network.
In return, South African Airways will place its “SA” code on selected Turkish Airlines-operated services linking İstanbul with Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Frankfurt, Paris, and London, giving SAA customers convenient access to Europe and beyond via Turkish Airlines’ global hub in İstanbul.
Strengthening Africa’s Global Air Links
Commenting on the agreement, Prof. Ahmet Bolat said the partnership represents an important step in deepening economic and aviation ties between Türkiye and South Africa:
“This codeshare agreement with South African Airways is a meaningful step in strengthening our presence across Africa and reinforcing the growing cooperation between Türkiye and South Africa. As the largest non-African airline operating on the continent, we place strong emphasis on sustainable partnerships that enhance long-term connectivity and deliver greater value for our guests.”
South African Airways CEO Prof. John Lamola highlighted the strategic value of the alliance for African aviation and economic development:
“We welcome this partnership with Turkish Airlines as an important step in expanding safe, reliable and competitive air services for our customers. Turkish Airlines is a globally respected carrier, and this collaboration reflects our shared ambition to improve connectivity between Africa and Türkiye. Such partnerships play a vital role in promoting tourism, trade, and sustainable economic growth.”
Expanding Network Reach on Both Sides
Turkish Airlines currently operates the largest network of any non-African carrier on the continent, serving 65 destinations across 41 African countries. The new agreement further strengthens its Southern African footprint while offering customers greater depth of regional connectivity via SAA.
At the same time, South African Airways’ passengers gain access to Turkish Airlines’ vast global network of more than 355 destinations across 131 countries, one of the most extensive route maps in global aviation. This creates a powerful bridge between Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East through İstanbul’s strategic hub location.
Supporting Tourism, Trade and Post-Pandemic Growth
The partnership comes as both airlines continue rebuilding and expanding after the global aviation downturn. South African Airways has steadily restored its long-haul services and regional operations following its restructuring, while Turkish Airlines has continued aggressive global expansion, leveraging its geographic position at the crossroads of continents.
Industry analysts note that the agreement aligns with broader trends toward deeper interline and codeshare cooperation, especially across emerging markets, where airlines seek to expand reach without adding direct capacity. The partnership is also expected to stimulate two-way tourism, facilitate cargo flows, and strengthen commercial ties between Southern Africa, Türkiye, and Europe.
Source: GLO
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