TAAG and SAA Strengthen African Air Connectivity with New Codeshare Agreement to Boost Tourism Flows, Improve Regional Travel Efficiency and Enhance Access Across Key Hubs

Published on December 3, 2025

TAAG Angola Airlines and South African Airways have officially activated their strategic codeshare partnership. Ticket sales are now open, and flying commences on 1 December 2025. The move consolidates a powerful partnership in the skies over southern Africa, bringing together two of the region’s most dominant carriers to widen seamless air access across continental and international destinations. The accord places three key hubs-Luanda, Johannesburg, and Cape Town-at the center, turning them into gateways for business and leisure travelers across Africa, Europe, and South America by TAAG and SAA.

Expanded Passenger Access Through Shared Route Networks

Under the new arrangement, SAA places its flight code on TAAG-operated services from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Luanda, creating a streamlined bridge to long-haul destinations such as Lisbon and São Paulo. This gives SAA customers expanded travel options without the need for multiple separate bookings or complicated routing.

Meanwhile, TAAG Angola Airlines gains strengthened access to SAA’s regional African network, opening travel pathways to:

• Durban
• Gqeberha
• Cape Town
• Harare
• Lusaka

This two-way route expansion significantly broadens mobility across southern Africa, particularly for passengers traveling for business meetings, sporting events, conferences, or leisure experiences.

Enhanced Passenger Convenience Through Integrated Services

One of the standout features of the partnership is the improved customer experience. Passengers will now be able to enjoy:

• Single ticket itineraries in their local currency
• Integrated check-in procedures from the first departure point
• Through-baggage handling until the final destination
• Synchronized flight schedules ensuring shorter connection times
• Simplified transfers through major hub airports

These enhancements are designed to create a smoother, more predictable journey, especially important for international travelers and connecting passengers.

Driving Regional Tourism Recovery and Expansion

The partnership is expected to significantly influence tourism development across both Angola and South Africa, as well as surrounding regional destinations. By making travel between major African cities more accessible, the airlines are helping fuel both inbound and outbound tourism flows.

Key tourism advantages include:

• Easier access to Angola’s capital, a growing center for business and cultural tourism
• Better connectivity to South Africa’s iconic attractions such as Cape Town’s coastal routes, Johannesburg’s cultural districts, and Durban’s beachfront tourism
• Faster travel to regional hotspots like Victoria Falls, Seychelles through onward links, and Lusaka’s national parks
• Enhanced attractiveness for multi-country holiday packages, which tour operators increasingly promote

With travellers seeking more connected routes in Africa, the TAAG–SAA agreement supports long-term tourism growth by reducing barriers that once made inter-African travel complex.

Strengthening Angola’s Position as a Continental Aviation Gateway

The codeshare reinforces the strategic role of Luanda as a major aviation hub for Africa. With direct links to Europe, South America, and now greater intra-African access, Angola becomes a pivotal transit point for global travelers seeking efficient connections.

The partnership supports Angola’s broader ambition to develop:

• A stronger tourism economy
• Increased airport traffic through Luanda
• More business tourism linked to Angola’s oil and infrastructure industries
• Expanded regional relevance as a transcontinental bridge

Boosting Luanda’s airport activity will help position Angola as a key connector between hemispheres.

Supporting SAA’s Continued Rebuilding and Network Growth

For South African Airways, the codeshare is an integral element of its ongoing network expansion. The collaboration provides:

• Greater regional reach after restructuring
• Competitive routing options for long-haul travelers
• Increased passenger flow through Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport
• More economic opportunities for tourism operators, hotels, and transport providers

By partnering with TAAG, SAA advances its goal of strengthening South Africa’s role as a reliable regional travel hub.

Tourism Impact: Opening the Door for Multidestination African Travel

The tourism impact of the agreement is expected to be substantial, particularly as Africa embraces integrated tourism planning. Key projected impacts include:

1. Growth in multi-destination itineraries
   Travellers will find it easier to combine Angola, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in one coordinated trip.
2. Boost to international tourism arrivals
   With simplified connections from Lisbon and São Paulo, more long-haul tourists can explore Africa through a unified network.
3. Increased appeal for adventure and cultural tourism
   Improved access encourages tourism circuits involving safaris, heritage sites, and coastal experiences.
4. Greater opportunities for regional tour operators
   Operators can design routes that were previously limited by connectivity gaps.
5. Better support for business and MICE tourism
   Corporate travelers benefit from smoother access to regional capitals.
6. Long-term strengthening of Southern Africa’s tourism identity
   Combined airline networks create a more cooperative tourism landscape across multiple countries.

A Transformative Partnership for African Aviation and Tourism

This codeshare deal between TAAG Angola Airlines and South African Airways heralds a new phase in Africa’s aviation development. By merging networks and smoothing travel, not only does this partnership further regional mobility by opening access to main hubs, but it also opens new opportunities for tourism and business development. As flights begin in December 2025, travelers across Africa, Europe, and South America will benefit from a more connected, efficient, and competitive travel experience—setting the stage for a stronger, more integrated African tourism future.

Image Source: SAA