Monday, July 14th, 2025
South Africa took a bold leap in increasing aviation and international connectivity in August 2025 by participating in a strategic codeshare agreement between Airlink and Turkish airlines. This partnership enables travel from more than 300 global cities to the global world from major South African regional cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, to one regional city seamlessly through more than 300 global fates in Istan. By combining Airlink's vast regional network with Turkish Airlines' vast international routes, the collaboration not only simplifies travel logistics, but also positions South Africa as a rising powerhouse of the world's air connections, opening up new pathways for tourism, trade and economic growth.
Turkish Airlines will expand Africa's footprint in August 2025 with a strategic codeshare partnership with South African Airlink
Turkiye's flag carrier and one of the world's most globally connected airlines, Turkish Airlines has signed a groundbreaking codeshare agreement with Airlink, a South Africa-based regional airline. This strategic alliance is designed to significantly enhance Turkish Airlines' access to South Africa and to strengthen its presence across the African continent. The contract, which will be operated on August 1, 2025, was formalized with a ceremonial signature held at Airlink headquarters in Johannesburg, attended by senior leaders of both aviation partners.
This partnership brings a great boost to travelers by combining the strengths of both airlines. This is the deep connectivity of the vast intercontinental networks and airlinks across South Africa. Together, they aim to provide seamless travel solutions, enhanced route access, and simplified ticketing options for passengers flying international and regional destinations.
A seamless travel experience across the continent
Under the new codeshare arrangement, Turkish airlines will place “TK” flight codes on many airlink-operated flights within South Africa and select destinations across the southern African region. The move will allow Turkish Airlines passengers arriving in Cape Town or Johannesburg to easily continue their journey to cities such as Durban, Port Elizabeth, George and Nelspur, as well as local destinations such as Windhawk (Namibia), Gaboron (Botswana), and Mapto (Moseumbik).
Travelers benefit from a unified booking process. There, international and regional sectors are issued on a single ticket. This ensures efficiency and convenience while streamlining connections, simplifying logistics and reducing passenger stress, especially when it comes to baggage handling and airport travel.
For business travelers, codeshare offers increased flexibility with increased access to economic hubs across South Africa. Leisure travelers enjoy greater freedom to explore Africa's natural wonders, cultural sites and adventure destinations without having to book multiple tickets or adjust separate itineraries.
Unlocking Africa's growth and opportunity
This codeshare illustrates a significant expansion in Turkish Airlines' longstanding strategy to expand its footprint across Africa. Career has steadily increased the number of African destinations it serves over the past decade, and now operates flights to more than 60 cities across the continent. By entering into this agreement with Airlink, Turkish Airlines is deepening its network in the underserved South African market, an area rich in tourism potential and undeveloped business links.
One of South Africa's most successful, privately owned airlines, Airlink brings an unparalleled network of national and regional routes to the table. With over 45 destinations in 13 African countries, Airlink plays a key role in connecting middle-city and emerging commercial zones to major international gateways. By working with Turkish Airlines, Airlink will also benefit from increased exposure on its global booking platform and greater access to international travelers looking to explore Africa.
Codeshare also promotes increased trade and tourism between Türkiye and various African countries. As Türkiye strengthens its economic and diplomatic engagement with the continent, strengthening air connections is expected to support investment, bilateral relations and cultural exchanges.
A favourable collaboration for both aviation sectors
The partnership comes as the aviation industry is undergoing recovery and restructuring after years of pandemic-related disruption. Airlines around the world are reevaluating strategies to adapt to evolving passenger behavior and increasing competition. Through these collaborations, carriers can expand reach without replicating services, reduce operational costs, and provide customers with a wide range of destinations.
For Turkish airlines, which already serve more countries than any other airline in the world, this agreement strengthens its claims as a global connector and a trusted partner for international travel. For Airlink, codeshare coincides with Africa's vision of becoming a preferred regional airline, offering convenient connections to small cities on the continent and inaccessible destinations.
Both airlines are committed to maintaining high service standards, operational reliability and passenger satisfaction. Future phases of the partnership will allow frequent flyers and loyalty members from both carriers to enjoy mutual benefits such as accumulation of mileage and access to premium services. This is a factor that further enhances the appeal of this cooperation.
Looking ahead
With the partnership coming into effect in August 2025, travelers can expect smoother trips, destination choices and improved overall travel experience. Pasgen participants, who fly to South Africa and beyond by Turkish Airlines, which operates flights from Istanbul, a strategic crossroads between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, will have more opportunities to explore the continent through one of the most efficient global networks.
This codeshare between Turkish Airlines and Airlink is more than a route extension. This is a step towards strengthening our connection between Africa and the world. It underscores the growing importance of strategic aviation alliances to provide more value to passengers and open doors for economic and cultural cooperation.
South Africa has increased global aviation status with a major codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and Airlink, enabling seamless one-ticket travel to more than 340 destinations around the world since August 2025.
By integrating the network, Turkish airlines and Airlink not only improve air travel options, but also contribute to the long-term development of aviation across Africa. Robust planning, customer-focused solutions and a shared vision of growth have made the two careers poised to rebuild their journey through South Africa. Start with a single flight code and expand into a world of new possibilities.
