SAA and Turkish Airlines Codeshare Unlocks Seamless Global Connections from Africa

South African Airways (SAA) and Turkish Airlines have taken a significant step towards redefining international air connectivity by signing a comprehensive new codeshare agreement. This milestone partnership, formalised on 4 December 2025 in Geneva during the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board meeting, is set to reshape travel options for the African market and open up new opportunities for the region’s tourism sector.

The agreement is designed to foster stronger links between South Africa, Türkiye, and a range of key global destinations. Senior airline executives from both carriers attended the signing ceremony, underlining the importance and strategic vision underpinning this collaboration. For Africa’s tourism professionals, this development signals not only enhanced access for outbound travelers but also new potential for inbound tourism thanks to expanded route networks.

Under the terms of the agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its “TK” code on a variety of SAA-operated flights originating from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Windhoek, Harare, Victoria Falls, and Mauritius. This broad coverage effectively turns SAA’s extensive regional network into a launchpad for Turkish Airlines’ international customers seeking to explore southern Africa and neighbouring countries. At the same time, South African Airways will add its “SA” code to Turkish Airlines services connecting Istanbul with Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and major European hubs including Frankfurt, Paris, and London.

This dual arrangement enhances the connectivity fabric between Africa and Europe, while also providing an easier gateway to Asia and the Middle East via Istanbul. For the African tourism trade, such seamless connections have the potential to boost visitor arrivals, extend length of stay, and support the diversification of travel products. The codeshare model also offers flexibility and convenience, with simplified booking processes and coordinated schedules that reduce transit times for passengers.

Ticket sales for the new codeshare flights will commence on 1 March 2026. This timeline gives African tourism stakeholders a valuable window to develop marketing campaigns, update distribution channels, and create new packages that leverage the expanded route network. With Istanbul emerging as a global aviation hub, the partnership gives African destinations access to Turkish Airlines’ vast network, which spans Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. This is particularly relevant for African operators looking to attract new source markets and forge partnerships with international travel brands.

The codeshare is also expected to drive network expansion and new strategic route opportunities, benefiting both business and leisure travelers. From the perspective of African tourism professionals, the added frequencies and enhanced city pairings mean more choice when designing itineraries and facilitating multi-destination travel. Importantly, the agreement reflects a shared commitment by both airlines to invest in the future of African aviation and tourism, supporting the continent’s economic integration and promoting it as a year-round destination.

Beyond the immediate operational benefits, the partnership sends a strong message about the importance of collaboration in an increasingly competitive global aviation market. By pooling resources and expertise, SAA and Turkish Airlines are better positioned to respond to changing traveler demands, adapt to seasonal fluctuations, and weather external shocks. This resilience will be crucial as African tourism businesses plan for growth and innovation in 2026 and beyond.

The codeshare also aligns with the broader trend of African airlines seeking strategic alliances to overcome connectivity bottlenecks and unlock new growth avenues. By strengthening ties with international carriers, African operators can improve their competitiveness, tap into established distribution networks, and offer a broader range of products to their customers. For the African tourism ecosystem, this translates into greater exposure, increased visitor numbers, and more robust revenue streams across the entire value chain—from accommodation providers to tour operators and ground handlers.

The agreement between SAA and Turkish Airlines is part of a larger movement towards integrated air service solutions that support destination development and facilitate sustainable tourism growth. As the African market becomes more attuned to digital booking trends and personalized travel experiences, partnerships like this one will be critical in delivering the seamless, connected journeys travelers now expect. For tourism professionals, it is an opportunity to rethink distribution strategies and invest in partnerships that offer long-term value.

Ultimately, the new codeshare agreement sets the stage for a new era of air connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa. It enables African destinations to strengthen their links with the rest of the world, amplifies their presence on the global tourism map, and signals a renewed commitment to innovation and customer service. For those working in Africa’s tourism industry, the time is now to leverage these expanded networks, develop innovative products, and position the continent as a premier international travel destination for the years ahead.