HARARE, Aug. 5 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwe is set to benefit from improved international air connectivity after Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) expanded their codeshare partnership to include Harare and Victoria Falls, giving travellers easier access to the Gulf carrier’s global network through Johannesburg and Dubai.
Under the expanded agreement, Emirates will place its code on SAA-operated flights to Harare and Victoria Falls, allowing passengers to book seamless single-ticket journeys and enjoy simplified onward connections to destinations across Emirates’ worldwide network.
The development comes as Zimbabwe’s aviation sector becomes increasingly competitive following Air Zimbabwe’s recent return to the Harare-London route, a move that has already contributed to lower international airfares.
“Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) today announced an expansion of their codeshare partnership, enabling access to nine cities and establishing the start of a reciprocal codeshare agreement between both carriers. The expanded partnership opens more destinations across central and southern Africa, simplifying connectivity for customers,” the airlines said in a joint statement.
The two carriers have partnered since 1997, with SAA previously placing its code on Emirates-operated flights between Dubai and Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, while also offering interline access to 68 Emirates destinations via Dubai.
Following regulatory approval, Emirates will now market SAA-operated services on nine additional routes, including domestic South African flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, as well as regional services to Kinshasa, Gaborone, Windhoek, Lusaka, Harare and Victoria Falls.
The airlines said the expanded arrangement strengthens one of Emirates’ longest-standing commercial partnerships.
“Since 1997, millions of passengers have benefitted from the partnership, with frictionless, single-ticket travel. This extension to the codeshare underscores the ongoing commitment to providing greater access, convenience and choices to travellers from South Africa and neighbouring countries,” the statement said.
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The airlines said the agreement responds to strong demand for travel to South Africa from key international markets, particularly Europe, while improving access to destinations across southern and central Africa.
Emirates deputy president and chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim said the expanded partnership reflected the airline’s long-term commitment to the region.
“This reciprocal codeshare partnership with South African Airways is a natural evolution of a relationship that has served our customers well for many years,” Kazim said.
“By placing our code on SAA’s domestic and regional network, we are opening up seamless access to destinations across South Africa and neighbouring countries, backed by the reliability and consistency our customers expect from Emirates.”
He said the agreement reinforced Emirates’ confidence in Africa’s long-term growth and strengthened connectivity across the continent.
