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KQ eyes more Doha flights in deal with Qatar Airways, marking a major milestone in Kenya Airways’ ambitious turnaround strategy and its push to become a leading player in global aviation. The national carrier has signed a comprehensive codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways that will see increased flight frequencies between Nairobi and Doha, as well as the launch of new routes connecting Mombasa to the Qatari capital.
The agreement, signed in Doha by Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka and Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, allows Qatar Airways to introduce a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi. In return, Kenya Airways will operate flights between Mombasa and Doha during the upcoming winter season, marketed under Qatar Airways’ brand.
This partnership makes Qatar Airways the 15th codeshare partner for Kenya Airways, joining a growing list that includes Air France, KLM, British Airways, and Safarilink. The deal is expected to significantly enhance connectivity for passengers traveling between East Africa and the Middle East, while also opening up seamless connections to Europe, Asia, and the Americas through Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.
“This partnership perfectly aligns with our airline’s robust turnaround strategy, which saw Kenya Airways return to profit for the first time in more than a decade,” said Kilavuka. “It will also help expedite our efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities, turning these into pivotal economic growth propellers for Kenya and the East Africa region.”
The codeshare agreement allows both airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights, enabling passengers to book a single ticket, enjoy one check-in process, and benefit from smoother connections at transit points. Beyond passenger services, the two carriers will also explore collaboration in cargo operations, airport and ground services, loyalty programs, procurement, and aircraft maintenance.
Qatar Airways’ CEO Al-Meer emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, noting that it reflects the airline’s deepening ties with Africa. “This agreement comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya and underscores our commitment to contributing to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem,” he said.
The timing of the deal is particularly significant for Kenya Airways, which recently posted a net profit of KSh5.4 billion ($42 million) for 2024, a dramatic turnaround from a KSh22.6 billion ($175 million) loss in 2023. The airline’s renewed profitability has been attributed to aggressive cost-cutting, network optimization, and strategic partnerships like this one.
Industry analysts say the expanded Doha service will enhance Kenya’s position as a regional aviation hub and attract more international travelers to its coastal and safari destinations. The Mombasa-Doha route, in particular, is expected to boost tourism and trade in Kenya’s coastal region, which has long sought direct international connections.
The deal also comes on the heels of Kenya Airways’ recent accolades at the 2025 World Travel Awards, where it was named Africa’s Leading Airline for the fourth consecutive year. The airline also won awards for its business class service, brand strength, and inflight magazine.
As global air travel rebounds, Kenya Airways is betting on strategic alliances to maintain its growth trajectory and solidify its place in the competitive international market. The Qatar Airways partnership is not just a codeshare—it’s a signal that KQ is ready to soar higher.