In a move set to reshape East Africa’s aviation and trade dynamics, Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways (KQ) have launched an expanded codeshare partnership covering 19 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The agreement takes effect on 26 October 2025, with flights available for sale beginning 21 October, according to both airlines.
The expansion follows a recently signed cooperation framework between the two carriers and will see Kenya Airways customers gain access to 10 new destinations via Doha’s Hamad International Airport, while Qatar Airways passengers can now reach eight cities in Africa through Nairobi.
The partnership is supported by Qatar Airways’ third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, which was added earlier this year to meet growing passenger demand.
The collaboration is a strategic play to strengthen connectivity between three fast-growing markets of East Africa, the Gulf, and Asia.
Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, noted that the partnership marks “significant progress” since the alliance was initiated.
He described the codeshare as a key step in deepening the airline’s presence across Africa and responding to passenger demand for reliable connections.
Kenya Airways’ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, said the partnership expands the airline’s reach across multiple continents while improving customer experience.
“This new chapter with Qatar Airways enhances connectivity across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia,” he said.
For passengers, the deal offers seamless booking on a single ticket, synchronized flight schedules, coordinated baggage handling, and shared loyalty benefits, including Avios points for members of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club on Kenya Airways-operated flights.
Expanding the route map
Under the codeshare, Kenya Airways will place its code on Qatar Airways flights to Bahrain, Colombo, Dhaka, Islamabad, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Malé, Muscat, Singapore, and Tokyo Narita, in addition to Doha.
In return, Qatar Airways will add its code to Kenya Airways routes connecting Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Lilongwe, Livingstone, Juba, Nampula, and Victoria Falls.
The new arrangement significantly enhances Doha’s role as a global hub for African travelers, while positioning Nairobi as a key gateway for Middle Eastern and Asian passengers heading to sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), codeshares are “a practical way for airlines to expand market access and increase revenue without the heavy costs of operating new routes.”
They allow passengers to travel more easily between networks while maintaining service quality and convenience.
In Africa, codeshares have become a vital strategy for smaller and mid-sized carriers seeking to compete against global airlines with large fleets.
IATA projects that Africa’s air transport market will grow by 6% annually through 2035, driven by partnerships, infrastructure upgrades, and rising travel demand.
Unlocking East Africa’s travel and trade potential
The new collaboration promises significant benefits for travelers and businesses across East Africa, particularly in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Passengers from Entebbe, Kigali, or Dar es Salaam will now be able to connect through Nairobi and Doha on a single itinerary to key global destinations such as Singapore, Tokyo, or Kuala Lumpur which will help in cutting travel times and simplifying transit.
The deal is also expected to strengthen air freight and cargo linkages with Doha serving as one of the world’s top logistics hubs.
East African exporters including Uganda’s coffee producers, Kenya’s flower growers, and Rwanda’s specialty agricultural suppliers, could benefit from faster and more reliable access to Asian markets.
The partnership also aligns with two major African Union initiatives: the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) which seek to create a unified economic and aviation space across the continent.