South African Airways (SAA) is facing concerns over declining passenger traffic as tensions surrounding xenophobia and the treatment of foreign nationals continue to affect perceptions of travel to South Africa.
The development comes amid growing diplomatic concerns between South Africa and other African countries, particularly Nigeria, following reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Nigeria’s Parliament recently suspended official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers to boycott legislative activities hosted by South African institutions, citing concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians in the country. (Reuters)
The decision has added to concerns about the potential impact of xenophobic tensions on tourism, business travel and passenger demand between the two countries.
Xenophobia Raises Travel Concerns
Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have periodically been affected by reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants.
In September 2026, Nigerian officials said 98 Nigerians had died in mob and hate-related incidents in South Africa since 2022, while 1,695 Nigerians had voluntarily returned home in 2026 amid concerns linked to xenophobia. (Reuters)
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has previously said the government condemns “all forms of xenophobia.” (Reuters)
The issue has also prompted South African authorities to announce tougher measures against illegal immigration while publicly rejecting violence and xenophobia.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “We must never give in to violence, to xenophobia, and to vigilantism.”
SAA Maintains Regional Operations
Despite the challenges, SAA has continued expanding parts of its regional network.
The airline reported increased passenger volumes in December 2025 and said it held a 41 percent market share in regional African routes. It also maintained a 24 percent share of the domestic market. (South African Airways)
SAA also increased flights between Johannesburg and Lagos, with the route scheduled to operate six times weekly from October 2025. (South African Airways)
However, continued tensions over the treatment of foreign nationals could influence how travellers perceive South Africa as a destination and potentially affect demand for flights connecting the country with other African markets.
Broader Impact on Nigeria-South Africa Travel
The aviation sector is closely connected to tourism, business and diplomatic relations. Any sustained decline in travel between Nigeria and South Africa could have implications for airlines, hotels, businesses and other companies that depend on cross-border movement.
For SAA, the challenge comes as the airline continues its recovery and network expansion following years of financial and operational difficulties.
The airline reported a R30 million profit for the financial year ended March 2025, while the SAA Group recorded a net profit of R155 million. (South African Airways)
As concerns over xenophobia remain part of the wider Nigeria-South Africa relationship, the effect on passenger behaviour and airline demand will depend on how the situation develops and how authorities respond.
