DOHA – Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a strategic partnership that will see both carriers expand routes, increase flight frequencies, and deepen cooperation across key operational areas.
The agreement, signed in Doha by Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka, paves the way for a comprehensive codeshare that will allow the airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights. Travellers flying between Eswatini and East Africa could soon benefit from improved access through regional codeshare connections.
Under the new arrangement, Qatar Airways will introduce a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, operated jointly with Kenya Airways. In addition, Kenya Airways will launch direct flights between Mombasa and Doha, with Qatar Airways placing its code on the route. These changes are expected to reflect in booking systems within days.
Beyond codesharing, both airlines have agreed to explore collaboration in cargo, loyalty programmes, ground services, procurement, and aircraft maintenance. The move is designed to strengthen each airline’s presence across Africa and the Middle East, and offer more seamless connections for global passengers.
Qatar Airways, which has served Kenya for 20 years, now operates over 170 flights weekly to nearly 30 African cities. Kenya Airways recently secured four major honours at the 2025 World Travel Awards, including Africa’s Leading Airline and Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine.
Executives from both airlines say the partnership will support economic growth through improved tourism, trade, and air cargo networks across the East African region.
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