Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have entered into a strategic partnership that is set to significantly enhance air travel and business connections between the Middle East and East Africa. The agreement was formalized in Doha by Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, and Kenya Airways CEO, Allan Kilavuka.
As part of the partnership, Qatar Airways will introduce a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi. This will operate under a codeshare agreement with Kenya Airways, offering passengers more travel flexibility and increased connectivity between East Africa and global destinations via Doha. In addition, Kenya Airways is expected to begin operating flights from Mombasa to Doha during the upcoming winter season. These flights will be marketed and supported through Qatar Airways’ sales platforms.
Beyond expanding the number of flights, the partnership is designed to integrate services and operational capacities across multiple business sectors. These include joint efforts in cargo handling, ground services, aircraft maintenance and procurement, product development, and loyalty program alignment. This will not only improve passenger experiences but also enhance back-end efficiency and streamline cost structures for both airlines.
For Kenya Airways, the partnership marks a significant boost as the airline celebrates a return to profitability for the first time in over ten years. CEO Allan Kilavuka noted that this collaboration is expected to stimulate both passenger and cargo demand, helping to strengthen Kenya’s role as a major aviation and trade hub in East Africa. The new routes and joint operations are projected to support local tourism, business travel, and freight logistics, thereby contributing directly to Kenya’s economic development.
For Qatar Airways, the agreement is part of a broader expansion strategy across Africa. The airline already serves nearly 30 destinations on the continent and has made notable investments in African aviation, including partnerships and equity stakes in carriers like RwandAir and Airlink. This new collaboration further strengthens its presence in the region, building on 20 years of service to the Kenyan market.
The agreement demonstrates how airlines can evolve traditional code-sharing into deeper strategic cooperation, spanning technical services, customer engagement, and commercial growth. With seamless booking, improved flight frequency, and better network integration, passengers on both airlines will benefit from more options and a smoother travel experience.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be followed by immediate operational planning and the launch of new services in the coming months. It represents a significant win not just for the two airlines but for travelers and businesses across East Africa and the Gulf region.
