Turkish Airlines, Türkiye’s national carrier, has partnered with South Africa’s Airlink through a new codeshare agreement, set to begin on August 1, 2025.
The deal, formalized at Airlink’s Johannesburg headquarters, aims to enhance Turkish Airlines’ footprint in Africa while offering travellers more seamless travel options.
This strategic partnership combines Turkish Airlines’ vast global network with Airlink’s extensive domestic and regional routes in South Africa and beyond.
New Codeshare Agreement
Travelers will benefit from single-ticket, multi-sector journeys, ensuring greater convenience and flexibility.
The agreement allows Turkish Airlines’ “TK” flight code to appear on Airlink-operated flights. This enables smooth connections from Turkish Airlines’ services into Johannesburg and Cape Town to various destinations across South Africa and the region.
Levent Konukcu, Turkish Airlines’ Chief Investment & Strategy Officer, emphasized the partnership’s value. “This collaboration with Airlink strengthens our connectivity in South Africa and the region.”
“We aim to deepen this partnership to maximize travel opportunities for our guests. Beyond commercial benefits, we believe this agreement will foster stronger cultural and tourism ties between Türkiye and South Africa.”
Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht provided further supporting comment. “Partnering with Turkish Airlines is a significant step for Airlink. This agreement endorses our brand and provides customers with convenient, world-class travel options across our combined route networks.”
About Airlink
Airlink, South Africa’s largest independent regional airline, connects over 45 destinations across 12 African countries and St. Helena Island with a fleet of more than 50 commercial jetliners.
Headquartered in Johannesburg, Airlink operates key routes linking major cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, as well as regional hubs such as Gaborone, Lusaka, and Victoria Falls.
Known for its reliability and customer-focused service, Airlink was ranked third in the “Best Regional Airlines in Africa” category and named the “Cleanest Airline in Africa” in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards.
The airline’s modern fleet consists primarily of Embraer regional jets.
Airlink has grown significantly since becoming independent from South African Airways in 2020, establishing itself as a leading carrier in Southern Africa.
In 2025, Airlink expanded its fleet by leasing ten Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, boosting capacity by 33% and enabling new routes across sub-Saharan Africa.
The airline also secured a 25% equity investment from Qatar Airways in 2024, strengthening its financial and operational capabilities.
Additionally, Airlink’s codeshare agreements with global carriers like Turkish Airlines and Emirates enhance connectivity, allowing seamless single-ticket travel to over 340 international destinations via partners’ hubs.
Committed to sustainability, Airlink earned the International Air Transport Association’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification in 2025.
The airline also supports conservation efforts, collaborating with initiatives like the Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife to combat illegal wildlife trade.
Despite challenges in South Africa’s aviation sector, including navigational inefficiencies costing Airlink R55 million annually, the airline continues to prioritize operational excellence and network expansion.
Conclusion
The codeshare partnership not only supports Turkish Airlines’ growth strategy in Africa but also enhances its regional presence.
By integrating Airlink’s regional expertise with Turkish Airlines’ global reach, the collaboration creates a robust network for international and regional travellers alike.
This codeshare agreement strengthens ties between the two airlines and their respective countries. It promises improved accessibility, streamlined travel experiences, and a boost in tourism and cultural exchange.
