Kenya Airways (KQ) and Qatar Airways have announced an expanded partnership that will allow passengers to access 19 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia through a new codeshare agreement. The collaboration is set to take effect from October 26, 2025, with tickets going on sale starting October 21, 2025.
The agreement strengthens both airlines’ global reach, enabling travelers to enjoy greater connectivity, flexibility, and convenience through their respective hubs—Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) and Hamad International Airport (Doha), which has been named the world’s best airport for 11 consecutive years.
Enhanced Connectivity Across Three Continents
The new partnership will allow Kenya Airways customers to book codeshare flights between Nairobi and Doha, as well as 10 additional destinations through Qatar Airways’ extensive global network. These include Bahrain, Colombo, Dhaka, Islamabad, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Malé, Muscat, Singapore, and Tokyo Narita.
Similarly, Qatar Airways passengers will benefit from access to eight destinations within Kenya Airways’ African network. These routes connect through three daily flights between Doha and Nairobi, offering seamless travel experiences to Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Accra (Ghana), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Lilongwe (Malawi), Livingstone (Zambia), Juba (South Sudan), Nampula (Mozambique), and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).
The codeshare expansion represents a strategic milestone in advancing Africa–Middle East–Asia connectivity, a move expected to boost tourism, trade, and business across the regions.
Customer Benefits and Loyalty Program Integration
As part of the agreement, Qatar Airways Privilege Club members will now be able to earn Avios points on flights operated by Kenya Airways. This reciprocal benefit enhances loyalty rewards for frequent flyers, while both airlines aim to deliver harmonized service standards and streamlined travel experiences across the shared network.
According to a joint statement from both carriers, the new arrangement underscores their commitment to global partnerships and sustainable aviation growth, positioning Nairobi and Doha as leading transit hubs in the region.
Airline Executives on Strengthening Ties
Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, hailed the codeshare as a significant achievement that reinforces the airline’s presence in Africa.
“The recent addition of Qatar Airways’ third daily flight to Nairobi serves as another cornerstone of this partnership. It is driven by strong passenger demand for reliable and seamless connectivity,” Antinori said.
Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, echoed the sentiment, describing the codeshare as a new chapter in KQ’s journey toward global expansion.
“Together with Qatar Airways, we are committed to offering our customers better connectivity and access to a world of new destinations with a seamless travel experience,” Thairu stated.
Strategic Impact on Aviation in Africa
This collaboration between Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways comes amid renewed efforts to revitalize African air transport through strategic alliances and sustainable operations. It follows earlier partnerships such as KQ’s cooperation with KLM on alternative aviation fuels and its growing focus on digital transformation to improve efficiency.
By leveraging Doha’s position as a global hub and Nairobi’s strategic location as East Africa’s gateway, the new codeshare is expected to:
- Enhance passenger convenience across three continents.
- Strengthen trade and tourism links between Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Support economic growth by stimulating cross-border travel and commerce.
The airlines emphasized that this partnership is more than an operational agreement—it represents a shared vision for integrated air connectivity, benefiting travelers, businesses, and national economies.
List of 19 Codeshare Routes
Kenya Airways codeshares on Qatar Airways routes:
- Bahrain
- Colombo (Sri Lanka)
- Doha (Qatar)
- Dhaka (Bangladesh)
- Islamabad (Pakistan)
- Karachi (Pakistan)
- Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
- Malé (Maldives)
- Muscat (Oman)
- Singapore
- Tokyo Narita (Japan)
Qatar Airways codeshares on Kenya Airways routes:
- Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Accra (Ghana)
- Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
- Lilongwe (Malawi)
- Livingstone (Zambia)
- Juba (South Sudan)
- Nampula (Mozambique)
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Future Outlook
The Kenya Airways–Qatar Airways codeshare reflects a growing trend of strategic aviation partnerships in Africa, aimed at unlocking new growth opportunities and providing travelers with broader, more efficient flight options.
With increased flight frequencies, shared loyalty programs, and a strong commitment to customer service, this alliance is poised to redefine how passengers connect between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, while strengthening Kenya’s role as a key aviation hub.
