Kenya Airlines and Qatar Airways have confirmed their intention to enter into a strategic partnership, including a comprehensive codeshare agreement and an increase in flights between Kenya and Qatar Airways, and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Award-winning Doha Hub, Hamad International Airport.
The MOU's signature was made in Doha between Engle, the CEO of Qatar Airways Group. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Allan Kilavuka, Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways Group.
Through the partnership, Qatar Airways will introduce a third day frequency between Doha and Nairobi, which operates on Kenya Airlines and Codeshare. Flights are expected to be available for booking over the next few days. This new product will be supplemented by the launch of Kenya Airlines operations between Mombasa and Doha and Qatar Airways' commercial flights during next winter season. The two airlines also provide extensive codesharing across both networks, offering seamless connectivity and greater choice for travelers around the world.
Engle, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group. Badr Mohammed Al Mia said, “This
The partnership is another demonstration of our deep relationship with the African region. Today's agreement, when celebrating a 20-year flight to Kenya, is tied to a recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, through an investment in Airlink. Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystems of the continent. ”
“We are pleased to announce that Alan Kirabuka, Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Air Group, said:
Perfectly in line with the airline's robust turnaround strategy, Kenya Airlines has returned to profit for the first time in more than a decade this year. This collaboration will help to promote Kenya Airlines' efforts, boost tourism and air freight activities, and turn these and others into pivotal economic growth drivers in Kenya and the East African region. ”
Additionally, both Qatar Airways and Kenya Airlines aim to develop collaborations in other parts of the business, including freight, airport and ground services, loyalty programs, procurement, maintenance, repairs and overhauls.
The MOU's signature follows the receipt of four highest honors by Kenya Airlines at the 2025 World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. For the fourth consecutive year, Kenya Airlines has been selected as the leading airlines in Africa 2025 and the leading airlines in Africa Business Class 2025, the leading airline brand in Africa 2025, and the leading in-flight magazine in Africa (MSAFIRI).
Qatar Airways, the only five-star global airline based in the Middle East and the world's best incumbent airline voted for SkyTrax in 2025, offers over 170 flights per week to nearly 30 cities in Africa.
Over the past year, Qatar Airways has optimized its schedules at most African destinations to improve connectivity to major destinations such as Brussels, Guangzhou, London, New York and Washington.
