Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have expanded their strategic partnership through a new codeshare agreement covering 19 destinations, in a move aimed at enhancing connectivity between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The airlines say the partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening regional and global air travel options for passengers.
Starting 26 October 2025, travellers will be able to book and fly on the newly announced codeshare flights between Nairobi and Doha, with further destinations to follow. The expanded cooperation allows Kenya Airways passengers to access more destinations across Asia and the Middle East via Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport — recently awarded “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the 11th consecutive year.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways customers will now gain access to eight key destinations across Kenya Airways’ network, including Lilongwe, Livingstone, Juba, Nampula, Ndola, and Victoria Falls. The move is expected to open up new leisure and business travel opportunities for passengers across both continents.
Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said the agreement underscores the strength of the partnership built between the two carriers:
“We are pleased with the significant progress made in just a few months since this partnership began. This collaboration strengthens our presence in Kenya and across the African continent. The recent addition of Qatar Airways’ daily flight to Nairobi is another cornerstone of this partnership, offering seamless connectivity driven by demand for reliable air travel.”
Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu echoed the optimism, describing the alliance as a new chapter in the airline’s growth story.
“This partnership will significantly enhance connectivity across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, opening up a world of new destinations for our customers,” he said. “Together with Qatar Airways, we are dedicated to offering a seamless and efficient travel experience.”
Through this enhanced codeshare deal, Qatar Airways customers can now fly to new African destinations operated by Kenya Airways, including Accra (Ghana), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Kenya Airways, on the other hand, gains new access to 10 destinations across Asia and the Middle East, including Bahrain, Colombo, Dhaka, Islamabad, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Malé, Muscat, Singapore, and Tokyo Narita.
The expanded codeshare is expected to not only boost tourism but also enhance business and trade links between East Africa and key markets in Asia and the Middle East. Doha serves as a vital transit point for international passengers, while Nairobi continues to solidify its role as East Africa’s aviation and economic hub.
Qatar Airways, which operates flights to over 170 destinations worldwide, said the move enables it to further expand its African footprint, offering passengers easier access to “key leisure and business destinations.” Kenya Airways currently serves more than 40 destinations across Africa, and the partnership will help strengthen its regional relevance amid intensifying competition from other African and Middle Eastern carriers.
As part of the deal, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will be able to earn Avios on codeshare flights operated by Kenya Airways, offering frequent flyers greater rewards flexibility. Both airlines also indicated plans to expand collaboration beyond passenger operations, including in airport services, lounges, cargo operations, and sustainability initiatives.
Codeshare agreements allow airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights, giving passengers access to a broader network without needing to book separate tickets. For example, a passenger flying from Nairobi to Tokyo can now do so seamlessly on one booking via Doha, combining Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways flights.
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