Deputy Minister of Transport Parks Tau, representing Minister Barbara Creecy, has signed a protocol amending the Air Services Agreement between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, further deepening bilateral aviation and economic cooperation.
The signing, announced by Parks Tau on social media, formalises updates to the existing framework that governs flight operations between the two countries. The amendment follows a Record of Discussions concluded in April 2025, where officials from both governments agreed to modernise the agreement to enhance route flexibility and improve connectivity.
The original Air Services Agreement grants airlines from each country rights to operate designated routes “between and beyond” their territories. It also allows aeronautical authorities to approve, regulate, or revoke airline authorisations in line with international aviation standards.
According to aviation analysts, the amendment is expected to expand operational rights and encourage more competitive services between South Africa and the UAE. This move could also support South Africa’s broader air-freight strategy, which prioritises regional and global integration through open-skies partnerships.
The updated agreement is seen as a step towards greater liberalisation in the aviation sector, fostering improved passenger and cargo connectivity while strengthening trade and tourism links between the two nations.