Qatar Airways Grows African Strategy with Port Sudan Launch, Marrakesh Growth and More Flights to Seychelles, Kigali, Cairo, Cape Town and Dar es Salaam

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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June 27, 2026 16:45 GMT+5:30

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Doha is strengthening its position as one of the world’s most important gateways to Africa as Qatar Airways unveils a major expansion across its African network. The airline’s latest schedule enhancements include the launch of a new Port Sudan route, the return of services to Seychelles and Kigali, increased frequencies across key African destinations and the introduction of daily flights to Marrakesh.

The expansion reflects growing confidence in Africa’s tourism and aviation potential while creating new opportunities for travellers moving between Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. For tourism stakeholders, the additional capacity provides stronger access to some of the continent’s most important leisure, business and cultural destinations.

As airlines continue competing for a greater share of Africa’s growing travel market, Qatar Airways is positioning itself at the centre of a rapidly evolving connectivity landscape.

Qatar Airways Deepens Its Commitment to Africa

Africa remains one of the fastest-evolving regions within the global aviation industry.

Growing middle-class travel demand, expanding tourism markets and increased business activity continue driving airline investment across the continent.

Qatar Airways has steadily expanded its African presence over the years, using its Doha hub to connect passengers with destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.

The latest network expansion reinforces this strategy.

By increasing frequencies and launching new services, the airline is strengthening access to African destinations while providing more options for international travellers.

The move also highlights the importance of Africa within Qatar Airways’ long-term growth plans.

Seychelles and Kigali Services Return

From 16 June, Qatar Airways will restore four weekly flights to Seychelles and two weekly services to Kigali.

The return of Seychelles flights arrives during a significant period for the Indian Ocean destination as it celebrates 50 years of Independence and promotes domestic and international tourism through various initiatives.

Improved air access supports visitor arrivals and strengthens links with key tourism source markets.

Kigali’s restored services are equally important.

The Rwandan capital continues expanding its reputation as a centre for conferences, international events, business travel and gateway tourism to East Africa.

Enhanced connectivity supports both tourism and economic development objectives.

Marrakesh Gains Daily Access Through Doha

Beginning on 1 July, Qatar Airways will introduce daily services to Marrakesh.

The Moroccan city remains one of North Africa’s most recognised tourism destinations, attracting visitors through its historic medina, cultural heritage, cuisine and hospitality offerings.

Daily operations improve flexibility for travellers while creating stronger links between Morocco and markets throughout Asia and the Middle East.

The route also supports the growing popularity of multi-country African itineraries.

Travellers increasingly seek experiences that combine different regions of the continent, and enhanced connectivity can make such journeys easier to arrange.

Marrakesh therefore becomes an even more accessible destination within Qatar Airways’ network.

Egypt Receives Significant Capacity Growth

Egypt remains a key market within the airline’s African strategy.

Alexandria will see service levels rise from three weekly flights to as many as seven weekly operations.

Meanwhile, Cairo will increase from 28 weekly flights to as many as 35 services per week.

These enhancements reflect sustained demand for travel to Egypt, which continues attracting visitors through its cultural heritage, archaeological attractions, Red Sea tourism and business travel opportunities.

Greater capacity can improve traveller choice while supporting tourism growth across the country.

The increased frequencies also strengthen Egypt’s links with international markets served through Doha.

Cape Town and Southern Africa Expand Connectivity

Southern Africa is another major beneficiary of the expansion.

Cape Town will grow from seven to as many as ten weekly services, reflecting continued international interest in one of Africa’s most visited cities.

The destination remains popular for its coastal scenery, wine tourism, outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Additional flights provide more flexibility for travellers while strengthening tourism access during peak travel periods.

The expansion also supports broader connectivity throughout Southern Africa, where tourism and business travel continue playing important economic roles.

Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe Gain Additional Services

East and Southern African destinations are also receiving substantial network enhancements.

Dar es Salaam will increase from three weekly flights to as many as seven, effectively doubling available service levels.

The Tanzanian city serves as an important gateway for both coastal tourism and access to safari destinations.

Meanwhile, the combined Lusaka–Harare service will rise from five to seven weekly flights.

The Maputo–Durban route will also expand from four to seven weekly operations.

Together, these improvements strengthen regional connectivity and create additional travel opportunities throughout Southern Africa.

Port Sudan Introduces a New Gateway

Perhaps the most notable announcement is the introduction of direct flights to Port Sudan.

The new route launches on 2 July with three weekly services operating every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Flight QR1319 will depart Doha at 09:00 and arrive in Port Sudan at 11:00.

The return service, QR1320, departs Port Sudan at 12:25 and arrives in Doha at 16:20.

Port Sudan has become increasingly important as a regional access point and transportation hub.

The route provides improved connectivity for passengers travelling from the Gulf region, South Asia and beyond.

By linking Port Sudan directly to Doha, Qatar Airways expands access to one of the world’s largest international airline networks.

Tourism and Aviation Growth Continue Converging

The network expansion highlights the close relationship between aviation development and tourism growth.

Additional flights increase accessibility, encourage visitor movement and strengthen destination competitiveness.

For tourism operators, greater seat availability often translates into broader package options, increased flexibility and improved opportunities to attract international travellers.

As airlines continue investing in African routes, destinations across the continent stand to benefit from stronger global connectivity.

The latest expansion by Qatar Airways reflects growing confidence in Africa’s role within the international travel economy.

Key Statistics

• Seychelles services resume with four weekly flights from 16 June.
• Kigali services resume with two weekly flights from 16 June.
• Daily Marrakesh flights begin on 1 July.
• Cairo increases from 28 to 35 weekly flights.
• Alexandria rises from three to seven weekly flights.
• Cape Town increases from seven to ten weekly flights.
• Dar es Salaam expands from three to seven weekly flights.
• Port Sudan launches with three weekly flights from 2 July.

Chronological Tracker

• 16 June: Seychelles and Kigali services resume.
• Egypt frequency increases begin.
• Cape Town and Dar es Salaam capacity expands.
• 1 July: Daily Marrakesh services commence.
• 2 July: Port Sudan flights officially launch.
• Broader African network expansion continues through summer scheduling.

FAQ

When will Qatar Airways begin flights to Port Sudan?

The new service launches on 2 July with three weekly flights operating every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Which African destinations are seeing increased frequencies?

Cairo, Alexandria, Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, Lusaka, Harare, Maputo and Durban are among the destinations receiving additional flights.

Why is this expansion important for tourism?

Greater connectivity improves accessibility, supports visitor growth and strengthens links between African destinations and international source markets.

Dates

• Seychelles and Kigali services resume: 16 June.
• Daily Marrakesh service begins: 1 July.
• Port Sudan service launches: 2 July.

Conclusion

Qatar Airways’ latest African network expansion represents one of the carrier’s most significant connectivity enhancements in recent years. Through the return of Seychelles and Kigali services, daily flights to Marrakesh, increased frequencies across major African gateways and the launch of a new Port Sudan route, the airline is reinforcing Africa’s importance within its global strategy. For tourism stakeholders, travellers and regional economies, the additional capacity creates stronger links to international markets and highlights the growing role of Africa in the future of global aviation and tourism growth.