On 9 October 2025, the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini formalised two key aviation agreements aimed at deepening regional cooperation, enhancing air safety, and expanding connectivity across Southern Africa. The signing ceremony took place in Pretoria and was attended by South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, and Eswatini’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, Honourable Senator Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe.
Through the signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), the two countries have reinforced their shared vision of using air transport as a driver of regional integration, trade, and economic growth. The agreement establishes a structured framework for air transport operations between South Africa and Eswatini, enabling greater market access, stimulating tourism, and creating the regulatory certainty needed to expand scheduled flight frequencies.
In responding to questions from African Pilot Magazine, Minister Ndwandwe highlighted that the formalisation of the BASA underscores Eswatini’s commitment to international civil aviation progress and reflects the long-standing friendship between the two nations. He noted that the agreement serves as a critical instrument for liberalisation and sustainable economic development, translating into easier travel, stronger commercial links, and more employment opportunities for citizens of both countries.
The BASA also aligns with broader continental objectives under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative. Eswatini has been progressively expanding its bilateral air service relationships, which now include agreements with Mozambique, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Gambia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Qatar, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and now South Africa.
The second agreement signed — a Bilateral Search and Rescue (SAR) Agreement — formalises cooperation between the two states in the coordination of aeronautical and maritime search and rescue operations. Minister Ndwandwe noted that for Eswatini, a landlocked country bordered by South Africa and Mozambique, this agreement holds special significance. It ensures that no administrative or jurisdictional barriers delay life-saving interventions during emergencies, establishing clear and standardised procedures for effective joint response.
He further commended South Africa’s leadership in this domain, noting that South Africa has willingly and responsibly assumed the regional obligations laid out under ICAO Annex 12 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. By systematically establishing bilateral agreements with its neighbours, the Republic is fulfilling its mandate not only to ICAO but also to the people of the region.
The agreement also encompasses the inclusion of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), potentially opening new opportunities for investment in emergency aviation support and related infrastructure across the region.
Minister Ndwandwe expressed optimism that the swift implementation of these agreements will yield tangible benefits for both nations, enhancing regional air transport security, supporting economic development, and advancing the long-term vision of seamless cooperation within the Southern African airspace.
