Qatar Airways and Air Algérie Codeshare Deal Unlocks New Asian and Middle Eastern Routes for Africa

The African aviation landscape is set for a significant transformation as Qatar Airways and Air Algérie unveil a new codeshare partnership, promising to reshape connectivity between Algeria and pivotal markets across Asia and the Middle East. This strategic alliance, effective for bookings immediately and with travel commencing from 15 November 2025, is poised to deliver a wave of fresh opportunities for the continent’s travel sector, particularly for those seeking to expand their reach beyond Africa’s borders via the award-winning Hamad International Airport in Doha.

At the heart of this collaboration lies a shared vision: to provide seamless connectivity and a broader network for passengers traveling between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The codeshare builds on an existing interline agreement, but now takes the partnership to new heights by allowing travelers to book flights under a single ticket, simplifying journeys and enhancing the overall travel experience.

For those departing from or arriving in Algeria, the benefits are immediate and tangible. Qatar Airways customers now enjoy easier access not only to the Algerian capital, Algiers, but also to six additional domestic destinations: Annaba, Constantine, Oran, Tamanrasset, Timimoun, and Tindouf. This expanded reach opens up Algeria’s diverse regions to a wider international audience, supporting both business and leisure travel and encouraging greater exploration of the country’s unique cultural and natural attractions [[3]](https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/qatar-airways-and-air-algerie-launch-codeshare-partnership).

Meanwhile, Air Algérie passengers gain a powerful new gateway to Asia and the Middle East. Through the codeshare, travelers can now connect seamlessly to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Muscat—all via Doha’s Hamad International Airport, which has earned global acclaim for its service and efficiency. The partnership is expected to grow further, with plans to add even more destinations in the near future, reflecting a dynamic approach to network expansion.

For frequent flyers, the collaboration brings added value. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will be able to earn Avios points on codeshare flights operated by Air Algérie, enhancing loyalty benefits and incentivizing repeat travel across the combined networks. This move aligns with global trends in airline alliances, where loyalty programs play a crucial role in customer retention and satisfaction.

Industry leaders from both airlines have expressed strong optimism about the partnership’s potential. Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways, highlighted the importance of strengthening the airline’s presence in key African markets and emphasized the commitment to deepening strategic partnerships that enhance global connectivity from and to Africa. He noted that Hamad International Airport has been recognized as the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years and as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ in 2021, 2022, and 2024, underscoring the quality of the transit experience for African travelers.

On the other side, Samy El Karim Boutemadja, Head of Commercial Division at Air Algérie, described the codeshare as a pivotal step in the airline’s global strategy. He pointed out that the agreement not only enhances Air Algérie’s positioning in the Middle East and Asia but also promotes Algeria as a destination, supporting the country’s ambitions to become a more prominent player in international aviation. The partnership is expected to drive increased inbound tourism and business travel, contributing to Algeria’s broader economic development goals.

This development comes at a time when African aviation is experiencing a period of rapid evolution. Qatar Airways already maintains 30 interline and six codeshare agreements with airlines across Africa, operating 213 weekly flights to 30 cities in 21 African countries. The addition of Air Algérie to its codeshare portfolio further cements Qatar Airways’ role as a key connector for the continent, offering African travelers more choices and greater flexibility when planning international journeys.

For the African travel sector, the implications are far-reaching. The enhanced connectivity will not only facilitate smoother travel for business and leisure passengers but also create new opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. As more African travelers seek to explore destinations in Asia and the Middle East, and as inbound tourism to Algeria grows, the partnership is likely to stimulate demand for related services, from hospitality and ground transport to tour operations and destination management.

Moreover, the codeshare reflects a broader trend toward collaborative growth in the aviation industry. By pooling resources and networks, airlines can offer more comprehensive services, optimize route efficiency, and respond more effectively to shifting market demands. For African carriers, such partnerships are increasingly vital as they navigate a competitive global environment and strive to deliver world-class experiences to their customers.

Looking ahead, the Qatar Airways–Air Algérie alliance signals a new era of opportunity for Africa’s travel industry. As the partnership matures and expands to include additional destinations, it will be essential for stakeholders across the continent to stay attuned to emerging trends and to leverage these new connections for maximum benefit. Whether by developing tailored travel packages, forging new business relationships, or investing in infrastructure to support increased passenger flows, the African travel sector stands to gain significantly from this bold step forward.

In summary, the launch of this codeshare partnership is more than just an operational agreement—it is a catalyst for growth, innovation, and deeper integration between Africa and the wider world. As the first flights take off under the new arrangement, the continent’s travel professionals have every reason to look forward to a future marked by expanded horizons and unprecedented possibilities.