Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have announced a strategic partnership that is set to significantly enhance connectivity between East Africa and the Middle East. The two airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Doha, marking the beginning of a comprehensive collaboration that includes codeshare operations, expanded frequencies, and potential synergies across several key aviation sectors.
The agreement was formalised by Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka.
More flights, more choice
As part of the deal, Qatar Airways will launch a third daily service between Doha and Nairobi under the new codeshare with Kenya Airways, with bookings set to open soon. Kenya Airways will also operate flights between Mombasa and Doha this coming winter, which Qatar Airways will market through the partnership.
Travellers will benefit from seamless connections across both airlines’ global networks, offering greater flexibility and choice for journeys between Africa, the Middle East and beyond.
Beyond the codeshare
The strategic cooperation extends well beyond passenger services. Both carriers have committed to exploring joint opportunities in cargo services, airport and ground handling, loyalty programmes, product innovation, procurement, and aircraft maintenance and repair.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer described the agreement as a reflection of Qatar Airways’ commitment to deepening its presence in Africa, saying, “Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem.”
Allan Kilavuka of Kenya Airways said the partnership fits perfectly within the airline’s ongoing turnaround strategy, which this year delivered its first profit in more than a decade. “This collaboration will also help expedite Kenya Airways’ efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities, turning these and others into pivotal economic growth propellers for Kenya and the East Africa region.”
Stronger together
Qatar Airways, recently crowned the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2025, currently operates more than 170 weekly flights to 30 African cities via its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport. Over the past year, the airline has optimised connectivity between Africa and major global destinations including London, New York, Brussels and Guangzhou.
Kenya Airways, meanwhile, continues its award-winning run, having been named Africa’s Leading Airline and Business Class for the fourth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards.
