Massive Expansion in Africa: Emirates Grows Network With 9 New Routes

Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) have expanded their long-standing partnership with a new reciprocal codeshare agreement, giving travelers access to nine additional destinations across South Africa and neighboring countries through seamless single-ticket bookings.

The enhanced agreement marks the first time Emirates will place its flight code on South African Airways-operated services, significantly expanding its reach across southern and central Africa. Until now, the partnership had operated on a unilateral basis, with SAA placing its code on Emirates flights between Dubai and Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Under the expanded arrangement, Emirates customers can now book onward travel on SAA-operated flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. The agreement also adds regional services from Johannesburg to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gaborone in Botswana, Windhoek in Namibia, Lusaka in Zambia, Harare and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Photo: Emirates

The airlines said the expanded partnership simplifies travel by offering coordinated flight schedules, through-checked baggage and single-ticket itineraries, making connections across the region more convenient.

Emirates and South African Airways have worked together since 1997, making it one of the Dubai-based carrier's longest-standing airline partnerships. Over nearly three decades, millions of passengers have benefited from the collaboration, with SAA customers also gaining access to Emirates' global network through Dubai.

Photp: Emirates

Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said the reciprocal agreement is a natural evolution of the partnership and reflects the airline's long-term commitment to South Africa and the wider African market.

SAA Acting Group CEO Matshela Seshibe said the expansion strengthens connectivity across Africa while improving access to international markets. He added that combining SAA's growing African network with Emirates' global reach will create greater value for travelers while reinforcing Johannesburg's position as a major aviation gateway on the continent.

Emirates has served South Africa since 1995 and currently operates 56 weekly flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The country is also the only destination in Emirates' African network served by all three of its widebody aircraft types: the Airbus A350, Airbus A380 and Boeing 777.

The airline also offers its Premium Economy cabin on flights between Dubai and both Johannesburg and Cape Town, further expanding travel options for passengers flying between South Africa and the Middle East.