Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways Forge Codeshare Alliance to Boost Doha–Nairobi Connectivity
(IN SHORT) Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed an MoU to establish a strategic partnership featuring a full codeshare agreement and expanded flight frequencies between Doha and Nairobi, including the introduction of a third daily service and seasonal Mombasa–Doha flights. The collaboration will also extend into cargo, airport and ground handling, product innovation, loyalty schemes, procurement, and maintenance. Speaking at the signing, Qatar Airways CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer emphasised the airline’s two decades of engagement with Kenya and its broader investments in Africa, while Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka highlighted the alliance’s role in supporting the carrier’s profitability turnaround and stimulating tourism and cargo growth across East Africa. Recognised in 2025 by Skytrax and the World Travel Awards, both airlines aim to strengthen global connectivity via their combined networks.
(PRESS RELEASE) DOHA, Qatar, 2025-Jul-1 — /Travel PR News/ — Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have formalised their intent to forge a strategic alliance through a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for an extensive codeshare arrangement and additional flight services linking Nairobi and Doha via Hamad International Airport.
The MoU was signed today in Doha by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director & CEO Allan Kilavuka. Under this agreement, Qatar Airways will add a third daily service between Doha and Nairobi in partnership with Kenya Airways, with bookings opening in the coming days. In the upcoming winter season, Kenya Airways will operate flights from Mombasa to Doha marketed by Qatar Airways. Both carriers will also open each other’s networks to codeshare, delivering more seamless connections and destination choices to travellers worldwide.
Beyond passenger services, the two airlines will explore collaboration across cargo operations, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programmes, procurement, and maintenance, repair & overhaul. This holistic partnership aims to leverage complementary strengths and drive efficiencies across their businesses.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer commented, “Our renewed collaboration underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to Africa, marking 20 years of service to Kenya. Alongside our investment in Airlink, this alliance advances our contributions to the continent’s burgeoning aviation and economic landscape.”
Allan Kilavuka added, “Aligning with Kenya Airways’ turnaround strategy—and our recent return to profitability—this partnership will amplify tourism and air cargo growth, fuelling economic momentum across Kenya and East Africa.”
Kenya Airways, celebrated as Africa’s Leading Airline and Best Business Class by the World Travel Awards 2025 for the fourth year running, and Qatar Airways, the Skytrax 2025 World’s Best Airline and only five-star Middle Eastern carrier, will jointly enhance connectivity across their networks. Qatar Airways currently operates over 170 weekly flights to 30 African cities, optimising schedules to boost links through Doha to key global hubs such as Brussels, Guangzhou, London, New York, and Washington.
Media contacts:
Kenya Airways
Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +254 20 327 4747
Email: Corporate.communications@kenya-airways.com
Qatar Airways Group
For media enquiries, please email:
qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa
SOURCE: Qatar Airways Group
