Emirates and South African Airways Strengthen Partnership, Boosting Connectivity to Nelson Mandela Bay and Beyond

Nelson Mandela Bay welcomes the announcement that Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) are deepening their long-standing partnership with a new reciprocal codeshare agreement ahead of the upcoming peak travel season. This expanded collaboration promises significant benefits for travellers heading to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and the wider Eastern Cape.

The enhanced agreement will allow Emirates customers to travel seamlessly from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha on a single ticket with hassle-free baggage handling. Travellers will also gain access to thirteen additional African destinations, reinforcing regional connectivity and supporting broader tourism and trade across the continent.

For Emirates, the strengthened codeshare provides greater access to feeder traffic from South Africa and surrounding regions, while offering smoother long-haul connections for visitors from key markets such as the UK and the US. For SAA customers, the partnership continues to offer increased access to Dubai through Emirates’ expanding flight schedule, alongside connections to 68 destinations worldwide.

Signed at the 2025 Dubai Airshow by senior executives from both airlines, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to enhancing customer convenience and broadening global access. The memorandum of understanding further outlines opportunities for deeper alignment, including loyalty programme cooperation, cargo operations, and network and schedule synergies.

Both airlines recognise South Africa as a key aviation hub and view the expanded partnership as a vital step in strengthening connectivity, unlocking new travel and trade opportunities, and supporting sustained growth. Emirates highlights the importance of South Africa within its African network, while SAA emphasises its commitment to delivering seamless connectivity and elevating South Africa’s position in global aviation.