Qatar Airways (QR) and Kenya Airways (KQ) have signed an expanded codeshare agreement, strengthening the connection between the two regional hubs, Doha (DOH) and Nairobi (NBO), and covering 19 new destinations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Ticket sales for the joint flights will begin on 21 October 2025, with operations commencing on 26 October 2025.
Through this partnership, passengers travelling from more than 170 Qatar Airways destinations will now have seamless access via Nairobi to key African cities such as Lilongwe, Livingstone, Juba, Nampula, Ndola, and Victoria Falls through Kenya Airways’ network. Likewise, Kenya Airways passengers will be able to reach hubs such as Bahrain, Colombo, Islamabad, Karachi, Malé, Singapore, and Tokyo Narita via Qatar Airways connections.
A New Era in Global Connectivity
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori stated that the agreement represents a strategic step in expanding the airline’s presence in Africa, saying, “Our third daily flight to Nairobi supports this growth. Our partnership with Kenya Airways elevates the intercontinental travel experience to the next level.”
Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu added, “This partnership enhances connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, offering our passengers greater choice and flexibility.”
Loyalty Programme and Future Plans
Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will be able to earn Avios points on codeshare flights operated by Kenya Airways. The two airlines also plan to deepen their collaboration in airport operations, lounges, sustainability projects, cargo, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in the future.
Africa’s Aviation Bridge
This expanded codeshare accelerates the integration of African air transport with the global network, enabling passengers to reach regional capitals and tourist centres faster and more conveniently. Kenya Airways was recognised at the 2024 Skytrax Awards with the titles of “Best Airline Staff in Africa” and “Best Cabin Crew,” while Qatar Airways’ Hamad International Airport in Doha has been named the “Best Airport in the Middle East” for 11 consecutive years.
