What does the new codeshare offer?
Emirates and South African Airways deepen their partnership with a reciprocal codeshare agreement signed at the 2025 Dubai Airshow. This allows Emirates customers seamless access from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, and 13 regional destinations like Accra, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Lusaka, Harare, Victoria Falls, and Mauritius. The deal includes single-ticket fares and easy baggage handling, boosting feeder traffic from South Africa and beyond.
How does this benefit South African Airways?
South African Airways customers will continue to have access to Dubai via Emirates’ 56 weekly flights from three gateways, with connections to 68 destinations. Since January, 45,000 passengers have availed the benefits of this partnership. The MoU also covers collaboration in loyalty, cargo, and schedules.
What did the airlines say?
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted South Africa as a cornerstone of the airline’s African network. Professor M. John Lamola, Group CEO of South African Airways, described the agreement as a milestone that strengthens South Africa’s role as a key aviation hub.
What’s changing in Cape Town?
Emirates will add a third daily Dubai–Cape Town service from July 1, 2026, operated using a Boeing 777. Flight EK778 will depart from Dubai at 10:25 and arrive in Cape Town at 18:05. The return leg, flight EK779, will start and conclude its journey at 20:00 and 07:25 the next day, respectively.
The new frequency adds over 600 seats daily and introduces an evening departure timed for optimal connectivity to Asia and Europe. Emirates also deployed its first retrofitted Boeing 777 in Africa to South Africa, introducing Premium Economy and upgraded cabins.
Also Read: Dubai Airshow 2025: Emirates And Boeing Announce New 777X Deal
