Johannesburg, Cape Town, Frankfurt, Paris, and London Travel Connections Enhanced as Turkish Airlines and South African Airways Sign Codeshare Agreement

Published on December 6, 2025

Johannesburg, Cape Town, Frankfurt, Paris, and London are now seamlessly connected as Turkish Airlines and South African Airways sign a strategic codeshare agreement, set to take effect on 1 March 2026. This new partnership enhances connectivity between South Africa and Europe, allowing passengers to enjoy smoother, more convenient travel options across both continents. By integrating their networks, both airlines are offering travelers more access to key destinations, enhancing their travel experience with greater flexibility and a broader selection of routes.

Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Türkiye, has signed a strategic codeshare agreement with South African Airways, the national flag carrier of South Africa. This agreement, set to take effect on 1 March 2026, will further enhance connectivity between key destinations across both continents. The new deal was signed in Geneva, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two airlines, which will allow passengers greater access to a wide range of travel options.

Key Highlights of the Codeshare Agreement

The codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and South African Airways will see Turkish Airlines place its TK flight code on South African Airways’ flights operating to major African gateways. These include Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Windhoek, Harare, Victoria Falls, and Mauritius. South African Airways, on the other hand, will place its SA flight code on selected Turkish Airlines-operated flights, including services between Istanbul and Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Frankfurt, Paris, and London. This deal allows both airlines to significantly extend their respective networks, offering more choices for passengers and enhancing global connectivity.

Strengthening Africa-Türkiye Travel Connectivity

Turkish Airlines is already renowned for its extensive network across Africa, operating flights to 65 destinations in 41 African countries. With this new codeshare agreement, Turkish Airlines continues to solidify its position as the airline with the most significant reach on the continent. South African Airways’ involvement adds a complementary layer, making it easier for passengers from both regions to travel seamlessly between South Africa and various destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

The codeshare agreement will give Turkish Airlines passengers easy access to South African Airways’ flights to and from key African cities. Passengers traveling from Türkiye will now be able to connect directly to popular destinations such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, while also benefiting from access to other South African Airways routes, including those serving smaller regional airports.

On the other hand, South African Airways’ passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy Turkish Airlines’ robust European network. With the Turkish carrier serving 355 destinations across 131 countries, this agreement unlocks new travel possibilities for South African Airways’ passengers, particularly to cities like Istanbul, Frankfurt, Paris, and London. Both airlines aim to provide enhanced services, further improving their global reach and customer experience.

Greater Access to Popular African and European Destinations

The new codeshare agreement promises to offer unparalleled connectivity between South Africa and Türkiye, as well as a wide range of European cities. Here’s a detailed look at the key destinations affected by this collaboration:

1. Johannesburg: The largest city in South Africa and an economic hub for the continent, Johannesburg is a key African gateway. Turkish Airlines’ new connection to Johannesburg strengthens its position as a leading player in the African market, opening up more travel options for passengers traveling from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.
2. Cape Town: Known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, Cape Town is a major tourism destination. The Turkish Airlines and South African Airways codeshare will make it easier for travelers from Istanbul, Frankfurt, Paris, and London to visit Cape Town and explore its rich offerings.
3. Durban: As South Africa’s third-largest city, Durban is a prime destination for both business and leisure travelers. With improved connectivity through this codeshare, passengers will be able to enjoy easier access to the Indian Ocean coastline and the city’s popular attractions.
4. Frankfurt: One of Europe’s busiest airports and a global financial center, Frankfurt will serve as a key entry point for South African Airways’ passengers looking to connect to Turkish Airlines’ network. This opens up access to not only Türkiye but to several other European and international destinations.
5. Paris: A cultural epicenter and one of the world’s most visited cities, Paris is an essential destination for tourists and business travelers alike. With the new codeshare agreement, Turkish Airlines passengers can conveniently connect to Paris, while South African Airways’ travelers can benefit from better access to Türkiye and beyond.
6. London: Known for its global significance and diverse attractions, London serves as another critical link between South Africa and Europe. The partnership will make it easier for passengers to travel between these regions, improving access to business, culture, and tourism opportunities.

Strategic Benefits for Passengers

The codeshare agreement will offer several strategic benefits for passengers traveling between Africa and Europe. First and foremost, it will provide enhanced connectivity with easier access to numerous destinations in both Africa and Europe. For passengers, this means more choices for flight times, improved access to a broader range of travel routes, and a smoother travel experience.

The partnership will also enable passengers to enjoy the high standards of service offered by both Turkish Airlines and South African Airways. Both airlines have consistently been recognized for their excellence in customer service, and this codeshare will allow them to extend this premium service to new routes and destinations.

Additionally, the codeshare agreement offers the added convenience of seamless transfers between flights, making the travel process more straightforward. Passengers booking with Turkish Airlines or South African Airways can expect smoother transitions from one flight to the next, reducing the stress associated with long layovers or complicated connections.

What the Codeshare Means for Turkish Airlines and South African Airways

For Turkish Airlines, this codeshare deal further reinforces its position as a key player in international aviation. Turkish Airlines has long been regarded for its expansive network, and the addition of South Africa to its range of accessible destinations aligns with the airline’s global strategy of connecting more regions. Africa remains one of the most important markets for Turkish Airlines, and this partnership enhances its ability to tap into the growing demand for travel between Europe and Africa.

South African Airways, on the other hand, benefits from an expanded reach, especially to Europe and the Middle East. The airline has been focusing on expanding its network and improving its service offerings, and this agreement with Turkish Airlines plays a key role in that strategy. By connecting to Turkish Airlines’ broad European and international network, South African Airways can tap into new sources of traffic and provide its passengers with more destinations to choose from.

A Look Ahead: March 2026 and Beyond

As the codeshare agreement is set to take effect on 1 March 2026, passengers can begin to plan their journeys between Africa and Europe with even more options and ease. This partnership will be particularly beneficial for travelers looking to explore South Africa and Türkiye, as well as those looking to travel between key cities across both continents.

With this new collaboration, Turkish Airlines and South African Airways are poised to elevate their offerings and provide enhanced services to passengers, making it easier than ever to travel between Africa, Europe, and beyond. This agreement aligns with both airlines’ goals of enhancing their global connectivity and providing passengers with more options and seamless travel experiences.

The new codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and South African Airways is set to reshape travel between Africa and Europe. By connecting major hubs like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Frankfurt, Paris, and London, this partnership will unlock new travel possibilities for passengers, offering increased connectivity, enhanced convenience, and greater access to key destinations. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, the collaboration between these two prominent carriers sets a new standard for seamless, efficient, and expansive international travel, benefiting travelers from all over the world.

Johannesburg, Cape Town, Frankfurt, Paris, and London are now connected through a new codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and South African Airways, effective from 1 March 2026. This partnership expands travel options, enhancing connectivity between Africa and Europe for passengers.

This codeshare agreement represents a significant step forward in both Turkish Airlines and South African Airways’ ongoing efforts to improve global connectivity and meet the growing demands of international travelers. The partnership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of air travel between Africa and Europe.