Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways Partner to Expand Global Connectivity
Doha/Nairobi, October 23, 2025 — Kenya Airways (KQ) and Qatar Airways have unveiled a new codeshare partnership set to enhance connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in their strategic partnership signed earlier in July, signaling a strengthened alliance between the two national carriers.
The implementation of the codeshare agreement coincides with Qatar Airways’ introduction of a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, further deepening air connectivity between Kenya and the Gulf region. The move is expected to boost passenger traffic, tourism, and trade by offering travelers more flexible options and smoother connections.
Under the new arrangement, Qatar Airways passengers will enjoy access to eight new destinations across Africa via Nairobi, including Juba (South Sudan), Lilongwe (Malawi), Livingstone (Zambia), and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). This expansion reinforces Nairobi’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa and strengthens Qatar Airways’ footprint on the continent.
Conversely, Kenya Airways customers will benefit from seamless access to 11 additional international destinations operated by Qatar Airways through its Doha hub.
These include key global cities such as Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Singapore, Male (Maldives), and Tokyo (Japan), among others. The arrangement will enable KQ passengers to connect easily to Asia-Pacific markets, supporting business, leisure, and diaspora travel.
Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka said the partnership underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its network and providing greater convenience to its customers.
“This collaboration will give our passengers more travel options and access to a wider global network, while strengthening Nairobi’s role as a gateway to Africa,” he noted.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer echoed the sentiment, saying the agreement represents a major step forward in improving global connectivity.
“By combining our networks, we are opening new opportunities for travelers and supporting stronger economic and cultural ties between Africa and the rest of the world,” he said.
The new codeshare is expected to stimulate tourism and business exchanges across multiple regions, positioning both airlines as key players in connecting Africa to global markets through strategic collaboration and enhanced flight frequencies.
