Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways have officially signaled their intent to form a significant strategic alliance, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see extensive codeshare agreements and an increase in flights connecting Kenya with Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha.
The MoU was signed in Doha by Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO.
This collaboration will introduce a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, operated by Qatar Airways with codesharing by Kenya Airways, with bookings expected to open shortly. Further enhancing connectivity, Kenya Airways will launch new flights between Mombasa and Doha during the upcoming winter season, which will be marketed by Qatar Airways. Both airlines will also implement broad codesharing across their networks, aiming to provide passengers worldwide with seamless connections and more travel options.
Driving Growth and Connectivity
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating, “This partnership further strengthens our deep connections with the African continent. This agreement, coinciding with our 20th anniversary of flying to Kenya, builds on our proven track record of collaborations across Africa, most recently through our investment in Airlink. Our growing teamwork with our African partners ensures Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly advancing aviation and economic landscape.”
Mr. Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, highlighted the benefits for his airline: “This partnership perfectly aligns with our airline’s robust turnaround strategy, which saw Kenya Airways return to profitability for the first time in over a decade earlier this year. The collaboration will also help accelerate Kenya Airways’ efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities, transforming these sectors into key drivers of economic growth for Kenya and the East Africa region.”
Beyond codesharing, both airlines plan to explore cooperation across various business areas, including cargo services, airport and ground operations, loyalty programs, procurement, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
Accolades and African Reach
This MoU signing follows Kenya Airways’ recent recognition at the 2025 World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. For the fourth consecutive year, Kenya Airways was honored as Africa’s Leading Airline, along with Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class, Africa’s Leading Airline Brand, and Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine (Msafiri).
Qatar Airways, recognized as the only five-star global airline based in the Middle East and the reigning World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2025, operates over 170 weekly flights to nearly 30 cities across Africa. In the past year, Qatar Airways has also optimized its flight schedules to most African destinations, improving connectivity to key global cities such as Brussels, Guangzhou, London, New York, and Washington via its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.
