New Kenya–Qatar deal to introduce Mombasa–Doha route, third daily flight to Nairobi
Kenya Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar Airways in Doha, paving the way for a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing connectivity and operational collaboration between the two carriers.
The announcement follows Kenya Airways’ recognition at the 2025 World Travel Awards held in Dar es Salaam, where the airline received four major honours: Africa’s Leading Airline, Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class, Africa’s Leading Airline Brand, and Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine for Msafiri.
In a statement, the airlines said the agreement includes a comprehensive codeshare arrangement, the addition of a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, and the introduction of Kenya Airways-operated flights between Mombasa and Doha during the upcoming winter season. The new flights are expected to be available for booking in the coming days.
The MoU was signed by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka.
It includes a new codeshare agreement, a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, and Kenya Airways-operated flights between Mombasa and Doha set to begin in the upcoming winter season.
Kenya Airways will operate the Mombasa–Doha route, with Qatar Airways handling the marketing of the flights.
“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 earlier this year. The collaboration will also help expedite Kenya Airways’ efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities, turning these and others into pivotal economic growth propellers for Kenya and the East African region,” said Allan Kilavuka.
Qatar Airways said the partnership builds on its two decades of service to Kenya and reflects its deepening engagement with the African aviation market. The airline cited its recent investment in Airlink as part of its broader strategy to strengthen regional cooperation on the continent.
“This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region. Today’s agreement, which comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya, is coupled with our recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through our investment in Airlink. Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem," stated Badr Mohammed Al-Mee.
Beyond route expansion, the two airlines said they are exploring further cooperation in cargo operations, airport and ground services, loyalty programmes, procurement, and maintenance, repair and overhaul.
The announcement follows Kenya Airways’ recognition at the 2025 World Travel Awards held in Dar es Salaam, where the airline received four major honours: Africa’s Leading Airline, Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class, Africa’s Leading Airline Brand, and Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine for Msafiri.
In a statement, the airlines said the agreement includes a comprehensive codeshare arrangement, the addition of a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, and the introduction of Kenya Airways-operated flights between Mombasa and Doha during the upcoming winter season. The new flights are expected to be available for booking in the coming days.
The MoU was signed by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka.
It includes a new codeshare agreement, a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, and Kenya Airways-operated flights between Mombasa and Doha set to begin in the upcoming winter season.
Kenya Airways will operate the Mombasa–Doha route, with Qatar Airways handling the marketing of the flights.
“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 earlier this year. The collaboration will also help expedite Kenya Airways’ efforts to boost tourism and air cargo activities, turning these and others into pivotal economic growth propellers for Kenya and the East African region,” said Allan Kilavuka.
Qatar Airways said the partnership builds on its two decades of service to Kenya and reflects its deepening engagement with the African aviation market. The airline cited its recent investment in Airlink as part of its broader strategy to strengthen regional cooperation on the continent.
“This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region. Today’s agreement, which comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya, is coupled with our recognisable record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through our investment in Airlink. Our growing collaboration with our African counterparts ensures that Qatar Airways continues to contribute to the continent’s rapidly evolving aviation and economic ecosystem," stated Badr Mohammed Al-Mee.
Beyond route expansion, the two airlines said they are exploring further cooperation in cargo operations, airport and ground services, loyalty programmes, procurement, and maintenance, repair and overhaul.
Kenya Airways
Doha
Qatar Airways
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