Turkish Airlines and South African Airways Sign Strategic Codeshare Agreement

Turkish Airlines, Türkiye's national flag carrier, and South African Airways (SAA), the national airline of South Africa, have made a major advancement in enhancing aviation cooperation between the two nations by signing a new codeshare agreement. This partnership was officially established on 4 December 2025 at a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, coinciding with the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB) meeting. Senior executives from both airlines attended to formalise this significant agreement.

The new codeshare agreement highlights a shared dedication to improving global connectivity, broadening route networks and meeting the increasing passenger demand between the regions. It also represents a significant step for both airlines as they work to rebuild, enhance and expand their services in the post-pandemic era.

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, noting the airline’s long-standing focus on Africa as a key growth market. “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,” Bolat said. “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.”

Africa has become an increasingly important component of Turkish Airlines' global network, as the airline serves more destinations on the continent than any other non-African carrier. This new partnership strengthens that presence, offering smoother travel options for passengers and enhancing market access for both nations.

For South African Airways, this agreement aligns with its ongoing recovery and expansion strategy. SAA has been steadily rebuilding its regional and international presence, focusing on partnerships that enhance competitiveness and offer greater flexibility to travellers. Group CEO Prof. John Lamola highlighted the significance of the deal, stating: “South African Airways welcomes this 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. Partnerships of this nature play an important role in supporting tourism, trade, and sustainable economic development."

As part of the codeshare agreement, Turkish Airlines will add its "TK" code to various routes operated by SAA, such as those to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Windhoek, Harare, Victoria Falls and Mauritius. This arrangement enables travellers connecting via Istanbul to easily book itineraries to key business and leisure destinations in Southern Africa.

In return, South African Airways will place its “SA” flight code on Turkish Airlines-operated services connecting Istanbul to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Frankfurt, Paris, and London. This dramatically expands SAA’s reach into Europe and beyond by linking its passengers to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network through the carrier’s strategic hub at Istanbul Airport.

The agreement enhances point-to-point connections and establishes a basis for further network expansion. Both airlines will keep looking into more strategic route opportunities to deepen their cooperation. This might involve increased frequencies, new destinations or joint commercial initiatives to bolster their market presence.

Significantly, the partnership aims to enhance tourism and trade between South Africa and Türkiye, two nations with growing economic and cultural connections. Enhanced air connectivity is widely acknowledged as a driver of economic growth, facilitating business travel, investment, and leisure tourism.