Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has signed a strategic partnership with Angola’s Sociedad Gestora de Aeroportos, S.A. of Angola (SGA). The agreement marks a significant step toward building a more connected regional aviation network and boosting the passenger experience.
The two state-owned operators signed the Sister Airport Cooperation Agreement on 31 March at this year’s Airports Council International (ACI) Africa regional conference in Luanda, Angola.
The collaboration focuses on knowledge sharing, technical cooperation and improving the passenger experience. It aims to unlock new routes and enhance the passenger experience across both countries.
South Africa and Angola are strengthening regional connectivity
The agreement also follows a bilateral meeting between the tourism ministries of Angola and South Africa, themed around “Growing the Travel Economy”. South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille and Angola’s Minister of Tourism, Marcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, signed a three-year Action Plan on Tourism Cooperations covering investment promotion, joint destination marketing and skills development.
A key outcome of these talks was the mutual agreement to promote investment and expand flight frequencies between the two countries. This includes the removal of capacity and frequency restrictions on passenger and cargo flights between South Africa and Angola, effective 24 March 2026.
“Every additional flight between our countries is an opportunity for business, for tourism, and for deeper people-to-people connections,” de Lille said. She added that “tourism is not only about travel, but also about investment, jobs and opportunity,” emphasising that the collaboration will “unlock new pathways for shared prosperity between South Africa and Angola.”
Promoting SAATM and unlocking African skies
The ACSA-SGA partnership will support route development between Southern and West-Central Africa, supporting increased trade and travel. It also aligns with the goals of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) – the continental initiative to liberalise and promote intra-African connectivity.
The deal also comes as Angola’s aviation sector undergoes a significant transformation. In October 2025, TAAG Angola Airlines completed the full transfer of its flight operations to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, marking the final chapter in the phased transition of all domestic and international flights from Luanda’s existing Quatro de Fevereiro airport.
ACSA recognised as a leader in Africa’s aviation sector
For ACSA, the partnership builds on a strong run of international recognition. In the financial year ending 31 March 2025, the South African company reported a net profit of R1.1 billion. At the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards, Cape Town International Airport claimed the Best Airport award in Africa for the 11th consecutive year, also taking honours for Best Airport Staff and Cleanest Airport on the continent. O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg took second place, while King Shaka International Airport in Durban came fourth overall and second amongst Africa’s regional airports.
“These awards not only celebrate excellence, but also inspire us to continue raising the bar as we position South Africa as a leading aviation hub on the continent,” said Fani Mphapuli, acting group executive, operations management at ACSA.
Featured image: ACSA
