South African Airways and Turkish Airlines have signed a new codeshare agreement aimed at expanding route networks and improving connectivity between Africa, Türkiye, and key global destinations.
The deal, signed in Geneva by Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Ahmet Bolat and SAA CEO Prof. John Lamola, will take effect on 1 March 2026.
Under the partnership, Turkish Airlines will add its TK code to SAA-operated flights across major African gateways, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Windhoek, Harare, Victoria Falls, and Mauritius. In return, SAA will place its SA code on Turkish Airlines flights connecting İstanbul with Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Frankfurt, Paris, and London.
Commenting on the agreement, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated, “Our codeshare agreement with South African Airways is a meaningful step in further strengthening our presence in the African market and deepening the cooperation between Türkiye and South Africa.
Strategic value
South African Airways CEO Prof. John Lamola highlighted the strategic value of the collaboration.
“As the largest non-African airline operating in Africa, we attach great importance to sustainable partnerships that enhance connectivity and cultivate long-term value for our guests,” Lamola said.
Turkish Airlines currently serves 65 destinations in 41 African countries—more than any other non-African airline.
Lamola said South African Airways “welcomes the codeshare partnership as a strategic step in expanding safe, reliable, and competitive air services for our customers. Turkish Airlines is a respected global carrier, and this collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthening connectivity between Africa and Türkiye.”
The new codeshare agreement is expected to deepen this reach while giving SAA customers access to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network of 355 destinations in 131 countries.
