Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways Strengthen Codeshare Partnership to Expand Air Connectivity Across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East

Published on October 20, 2025

A significant milestone has been achieved in the world of aviation and tourism as Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have announced an expansion of their codeshare partnership, aimed at enhancing air travel links between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This collaboration, which comes into effect from October 26, 2025, opens up 19 new destinations through a seamless connection between Doha (DOH) and Nairobi (NBO). The partnership is designed to simplify travel for passengers across both continents, improving access to emerging leisure and business hubs while supporting the growing demand for air travel between these regions. Through this agreement, travelers from over 170 global destinations in the Qatar Airways network can now easily access several African cities operated by Kenya Airways, while passengers from Africa can enjoy broader connectivity across Asia and the Middle East. The move also underlines a shared commitment by both national carriers to foster regional integration, strengthen tourism, and promote economic cooperation between Qatar and Kenya, setting the stage for a new era of aviation collaboration across continents.

Enhancing Global Connectivity Through Strategic Collaboration

The deepened codeshare between Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways marks a new chapter in regional connectivity. Effective from late October 2025, the partnership allows passengers to travel effortlessly between Doha, one of the world’s most important aviation hubs, and Nairobi, a gateway to East Africa. By combining the strengths of both airlines, the agreement extends convenient access to 19 destinations spread across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, bridging geographical boundaries and providing passengers with wider travel options.

Through this partnership, travelers from the vast Qatar Airways network, which spans more than 170 global destinations, can now reach key African cities served by Kenya Airways, including Lilongwe, Livingstone, Juba, Nampula, Ndola, and Victoria Falls. Meanwhile, passengers flying with Kenya Airways gain access to Qatar Airways’ global route map, connecting seamlessly to destinations such as Bahrain, Colombo, Islamabad, Karachi, Malé, Singapore, and Tokyo Narita. This mutual connectivity strengthens air links between continents, offering travelers enhanced flexibility, convenience, and comfort.

Doha and Nairobi: Hubs of Seamless Travel

The partnership leverages the strategic importance of Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Kenya, two of the most prominent aviation hubs in their respective regions. Doha, home to Qatar Airways, serves as a global connecting point for travelers from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. On the other hand, Nairobi continues to solidify its position as a leading African hub, providing access to both business centers and world-renowned tourist destinations across the continent.

By strengthening the link between these two airports, passengers now enjoy smoother transfers, improved flight schedules, and a more cohesive travel experience. The expansion also supports growing air traffic between Africa and the Middle East, catering to increasing tourism, trade, and investment flows. For the travel and tourism sector, this collaboration opens new opportunities for visitors to explore destinations such as Kenya’s wildlife reserves, Victoria Falls, and Maldives’ tropical retreats, among others.

Commitment to Passenger Comfort and Rewards

As part of this agreement, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can now earn Avios points when flying on Kenya Airways-operated codeshare routes, offering added value to frequent travelers. This benefit further enhances the travel experience, rewarding loyalty while ensuring comfort and reliability across both carriers.

Both airlines have built strong reputations for exceptional in-flight services and customer satisfaction. Qatar Airways, a nine-time World’s Best Airline winner at the Skytrax Awards, and Kenya Airways, the Pride of Africa, which was recognized for Best Airline Staff and Best Cabin Crew in Africa at the 2024 Skytrax Awards, together bring world-class hospitality to passengers. Their joint efforts are expected to elevate the overall standard of air travel between the continents.

Broadening Opportunities Across Continents

This strengthened cooperation reflects a long-term vision to expand beyond passenger transport. Both airlines have indicated plans to collaborate in additional areas, including airport operations, cargo management, procurement, and sustainability initiatives. Discussions are also ongoing for future partnerships in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. These developments highlight a broader commitment to improving aviation standards while contributing to economic growth and job creation within Kenya, Qatar, and beyond.

For Africa, this partnership reinforces the continent’s growing role in global aviation, creating better access for travelers, investors, and tourists. With increased connectivity, African cities become more accessible to global visitors, encouraging tourism to scenic destinations and boosting the continent’s visibility as a vibrant, world-class travel market.

Expanding Qatar Airways’ Footprint in Africa

The collaboration also strengthens Qatar Airways’ presence in Africa, one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. With a third daily flight to Nairobi recently introduced, the airline is positioning itself as a key connector between Africa and the rest of the world. By deepening its ties with Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways gains an even stronger foothold in regions where travel demand continues to rise—particularly in tourism, business, and trade sectors.

Similarly, Kenya Airways benefits from enhanced exposure to Qatar’s extensive network, connecting passengers to major global destinations through a world-class hub. This cooperation is not only a win for the airlines but also a major step toward developing a more integrated air transport system between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Future of Africa–Middle East Aviation Relations

The expanded partnership between Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways serves as a model of how airlines can work together to overcome regional challenges and deliver better value to travelers. As both nations continue to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, this aviation alliance complements broader national goals, such as promoting tourism, attracting investment, and fostering sustainable development.

Looking ahead, the codeshare is expected to stimulate more travel between Qatar and Kenya, contributing to stronger cultural exchanges and greater tourism inflows. For passengers, it promises greater convenience and more route choices. For the airlines, it marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration designed to redefine travel between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Kenya Airways (KQ):
Known as The Pride of Africa, Kenya Airways operates 45 destinations globally, including 37 across the African continent. As a proud member of the SkyTeam Alliance, the airline connects passengers to over 1,060 destinations in 173 countries worldwide. Its excellence in service and hospitality has earned it multiple awards, reinforcing its role as one of Africa’s leading carriers.

Qatar Airways (QR):
Based in Doha, Qatar Airways is celebrated as a world leader in aviation excellence. The airline operates flights to over 170 destinations across six continents, offering premium service through Hamad International Airport, which has consistently been ranked among the best airports globally. With its continued expansion and strategic partnerships, the airline remains at the forefront of global air travel innovation.