Airlink and Turkish Airlines Join Forces to Connect South Africa to the World

A Seamless Skybridge from Joburg to the World is Coming This August

South African regional carrier Airlink is teaming up with one of the world’s most connected airlines, Turkish Airlines, to make international travel even more convenient for locals and visitors alike. The two carriers have signed a brand-new codeshare agreement that will officially take flight on 1 August 2025.

One Ticket, Many Destinations

Thanks to the deal, passengers flying into South Africa on Turkish Airlines will now be able to book onward journeys across the country and into the region via Airlink — all on one ticket. That means smoother connections and less hassle, whether you’re flying to Nelspruit, Windhoek or Gqeberha after landing in Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Airlink CEO De Villiers Engelbrecht called the partnership a “significant opportunity” for both airlines, highlighting how it enhances travel for customers while also strengthening the Airlink brand globally.

“For our respective customers, it means more convenient travel options, with world-class service and easier access to destinations across our combined and extensive route networks,” Engelbrecht said in a statement.

What is a Codeshare, Exactly?

In aviation speak, a codeshare means two airlines agree to share flight operations under one flight code. In this case, Turkish Airlines will place its flight number on Airlink-operated routes within South Africa and beyond. The benefit for passengers? It feels like one continuous journey from, say, Istanbul to George, with baggage transfers and schedules synced between the airlines.

For example, a traveller flying Turkish Airlines into Cape Town could easily connect onto an Airlink flight to East London — with just one booking and no need to recheck luggage.

A Boost for Tourism and Business Travel

This partnership comes at a time when South Africa’s tourism and aviation industries are rebuilding momentum. Turkish Airlines has already established itself as a strong player in the African market, flying to more countries on the continent than almost any other international airline. Their daily flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg have become vital links for travellers heading to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

By tapping into Airlink’s deep domestic and regional network — which includes over 45 destinations in 13 African countries — Turkish Airlines can now offer even more reach into the southern tip of the continent.

For South African travellers, this also opens up the world with a few extra clicks. Planning a business trip to Istanbul or a summer holiday in Cappadocia? Turkish Airlines’ global reach just got easier to access from your closest Airlink-served airport.

Social Media Buzz

Aviation and travel enthusiasts in South Africa have already started sharing excitement online. On X , one user posted, “This is a win for South African travellers. Airlink and Turkish is a power combo. Istanbul here we come!” while others praised the move as a “smart step” to improve global access to smaller local destinations.

A Growing Trend in SA Aviation

This isn’t Airlink’s first codeshare rodeo — the airline also has agreements with Qatar Airways, Emirates, and British Airways. It’s part of a broader trend where local carriers are extending their global reach through strategic partnerships rather than long-haul expansion.

With travel demand surging and global tourism bouncing back, partnerships like this allow smaller airlines to punch above their weight, and for major international carriers to offer better access into places they don’t directly serve.

Ready to Fly Further?

Whether you’re planning a bucket-list trip to Europe or exploring SA’s hidden gems, the new Airlink and Turkish Airlines partnership is taking off this August to help make your journey easier, smoother, and more connected than ever.

Source:Tourism Update

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