Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways are taking their partnership to the next level. Starting 26 October 2025, travelers will gain access to 19 new codeshare destinations, strengthening air links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Tickets for these expanded routes are available from 21 October 2025.

This enhanced agreement is more than a typical route expansion—it’s a calculated move to position both airlines as stronger global players. Under the deal, Kenya Airways will place its code on Qatar Airways’ Nairobi–Doha service, as well as on 10 onward connections through Doha’s Hamad International Airport.

In return, Qatar Airways will codeshare on eight of Kenya Airways’ African routes, covering destinations in East, West, and Southern Africa—from Accra and Abidjan to Livingstone and Victoria Falls.

Strengthening Africa’s Global Connectivity

Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori highlighted the pace of progress:

“This enhancement is a testament to the collaborative efforts which further strengthen our presence in Kenya and the African continent,” he said.

The partnership aligns with Qatar Airways’ broader African growth strategy. The airline recently added a third daily flight to Nairobi, driven by high passenger demand and regional connectivity needs.

For Kenya Airways, this move is a major boost in its ambition to become Africa’s leading connector airline. Its Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu noted that the new codeshare will expand their reach significantly across Asia and the Middle East.

What Travelers Can Expect

Through the new partnership:

• Qatar Airways passengers will gain one-stop access to Kenya Airways destinations such as Addis Ababa, Juba, Lilongwe, Nampula, Accra, Abidjan, Livingstone, and Victoria Falls via Nairobi.
• Kenya Airways passengers can connect through Doha to destinations including Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Malaysia, the Maldives, Oman, Singapore, and Japan.

The timing is no coincidence — Hamad International Airport was recently named the Best Airport in the Middle East for the 11th consecutive year, ensuring smooth global connections for travelers.

Members of Qatar Airways Privilege Club will also earn Avios on Kenya Airways-operated flights, and both airlines plan to extend their cooperation to areas such as cargo operations, lounge access, and sustainability initiatives.

Why This Partnership Matters

Africa’s aviation market is evolving fast, and partnerships like this one are shaping the continent’s role in global air travel. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa’s air passenger traffic is expected to grow by over 4% annually through 2040 — one of the fastest growth rates globally.

This collaboration allows Qatar Airways to extend its footprint deeper into sub-Saharan Africa without launching new routes, while Kenya Airways gains premium access to Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern markets through Doha — one of the world’s most connected hubs.

It mirrors similar moves by global players: Emirates’ renewed cooperation with South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines’ joint ventures across West Africa both show how Gulf and African carriers are building alliances rather than competing head-to-head.

The Bigger Picture

In a market where long-haul routes are expensive to operate and bilateral rights are tightly managed, strategic codeshares are becoming the new growth engine. For travelers, that means better fares, smoother itineraries, and more loyalty rewards.

For airlines, it’s about staying agile in a region with huge potential but limited direct connectivity. Qatar Airways’ strengthened partnership with Kenya Airways is another step toward creating a truly interconnected African aviation network — one that rivals the strategic powerhouses in Europe and the Gulf.

As African skies open up, partnerships like this will define who leads the next decade of global connectivity.