Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways Expand Codeshare, Connecting Africa to Asia and Beyond

In a transformative development for African aviation, Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have announced the launch of an expansive codeshare partnership, opening up 19 new destinations for travellers and setting the stage for further expansion. Flights under this arrangement will be available from 26 October 2025, with bookings commencing on 21 October, marking a significant step forward in seamless connectivity across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

This enhanced collaboration enables Kenya Airways customers to book codeshare flights between Nairobi and Doha, as well as onward to 10 international destinations via Hamad International Airport—a hub consistently recognised as the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for over a decade. For Qatar Airways passengers, the partnership opens access to eight key destinations within Kenya Airways’ regional network, all routed through three daily flights between Doha and Nairobi. These expanded options are set to dramatically improve travel flexibility and route choice for both leisure and business travellers.

Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the rapid progress since the partnership’s inception, noting that the newly-launched third daily flight to Nairobi further underpins the airline’s commitment to the Kenyan and African markets. “This enhancement is a testament to our collaborative efforts, strengthening our presence in Kenya and across Africa,” he explained, highlighting the robust demand for reliable, seamless connectivity.

From Kenya Airways’ perspective, the codeshare represents a new chapter in the airline’s strategic growth. Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, stated, “This partnership will significantly enhance connectivity, especially across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, expanding our flight offerings and opening a world of new destinations for our customers. Together with Qatar Airways, we are dedicated to providing easy access to a variety of destinations, paired with better connectivity and a seamless travel experience.”

For the African travel industry, this partnership delivers tangible benefits. Passengers originating from Africa now gain easier access to multiple business and leisure hubs in Asia and the Middle East, including Bahrain, Colombo, Islamabad, Karachi, Malé, Singapore, and Tokyo Narita. This is a boon for travel professionals looking to diversify their offerings and cater to evolving passenger demands. Likewise, Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations now feeds additional traffic into Kenya Airways’ African operations, boosting access to destinations such as Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Lilongwe, Livingstone, Juba, Nampula, and Victoria Falls.

The codeshare agreement’s immediate impact is the removal of travel barriers and the reduction of transit times, giving travellers the flexibility to book multi-segment itineraries under a single booking. For the African market, this means greater choice, improved pricing, and streamlined service—factors that are increasingly critical as the region’s aviation sector returns to growth and faces heightened competition from global carriers.

Beyond passenger benefits, the partnership is expected to generate additional value through collaboration in airport operations, lounge access, sustainability initiatives, and procurement. Future phases will extend this cooperation into areas such as network development, cargo, aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. This holistic approach to partnership not only enhances the passenger experience but also strengthens the operational and commercial capabilities of both airlines.

Importantly, the codeshare brings added advantages for Qatar Airways Privilege Club members, who will be able to earn Avios points when travelling on Kenya Airways-operated codeshare flights. Joint loyalty initiatives are likely to further incentivise frequent travel and foster greater customer retention for both carriers.

For Kenya Airways, the codeshare significantly increases its reach into Asian and Middle Eastern markets, supporting its strategy to serve as a bridge between Africa and the world. For Qatar Airways, the partnership deepens its African footprint, providing global passengers with seamless access to some of the continent’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets. Destinations such as Lilongwe, Livingstone, Nampula, and Victoria Falls are now more accessible than ever, supporting tourism, business, and cultural exchange.

As African aviation continues its recovery and transformation, partnerships like this are essential for driving growth, enhancing competitiveness, and delivering the kind of service today’s travellers expect. The expanded codeshare between Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways exemplifies the power of collaboration in unlocking new opportunities for the continent’s travel trade, connecting African cities more efficiently to global networks, and paving the way for future innovation in route development and airline cooperation.

With more destinations set to be added in the near future, travel professionals across Africa should be alert to the evolving landscape, ready to leverage these new routes and partnerships to meet changing traveller needs and position themselves at the forefront of the continent’s aviation renaissance.