Kenya Airways has unveiled a new codeshare partnership with Qatar Airways that will unlock access to 19 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The agreement, which comes into effect on October 26, 2025, marks a major milestone in expanding connectivity and travel efficiency between the two carriers’ global networks.
Under the arrangement, Kenya Airways passengers will gain access to 11 global destinations via Doha, while Qatar Airways travellers will be able to connect to eight African cities through Nairobi. The collaboration is designed to enhance convenience and flexibility for passengers by simplifying travel connections between the continents. It will also be supported by Qatar Airways’ newly introduced third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi.
The codeshare deal is expected to significantly reduce travel time for passengers flying between Africa and Asia by minimising layovers and eliminating the need for multiple separate bookings. Travellers will also enjoy smoother baggage transfers and synchronised flight schedules that ensure seamless connections.
Beyond convenience, the partnership is anticipated to deliver broader economic benefits by boosting tourism, trade, and investment across Africa and the Middle East. Easier access to key business and leisure hubs is likely to encourage stronger cross-border collaboration and regional growth.
Public response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many travellers describing the development as a momentous step for Kenya Airways. The partnership has also sparked national pride among Kenyans, who view it as a sign of the airline’s growing global stature.
The deal aligns with Kenya Airways’ strategy of expanding its international reach through strategic partnerships rather than direct route additions. The airline already maintains similar agreements with carriers such as Air France, British Airways, EgyptAir, Royal Air Maroc, and South African Airways. These collaborations enable KQ to offer passengers a wider range of destinations under a single flight number while leveraging partner airlines’ global networks.
For Qatar Airways, the partnership reinforces its position as a major link between Africa and the rest of the world, adding to its extensive network of over 170 destinations. As operations begin next week, passengers can expect greater route flexibility, improved travel efficiency, and the convenience of single-ticket journeys across multiple continents — signalling a new era of seamless global connectivity for both airlines.
