Doha: Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), confirming the intention to enter a strategic partnership which will include a comprehensive codeshare agreement and increased flights between the East African state and Qatar Airways’ award-winning Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.
According to Qatar News Agency, the MoU was signed today by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka. The partnership will see Qatar Airways introducing a third daily frequency between Doha and Nairobi in codeshare with Kenya Airways, with flights due to be available for booking over the coming days. The new offering will be complemented by the launch of Kenya Airways operated, and Qatar Airways marketed, flights between Mombasa and Doha during the coming winter season. The two airlines will also codeshare on both networks to offer seamless connections and greater choice for travellers from around the world.
Additionally, both Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways will look to develop collaboration in other parts of the business, including cargo, airport and ground services, product development, loyalty programmes, procurement as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer stated that this partnership is a demonstration of deepening ties with the African region, celebrating 20 years of flying to Kenya. This is coupled with Qatar Airways’ record of partnerships across the continent, most recently through their investment in Airlink.
Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka mentioned that this partnership aligns with their 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 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 Africa region. The partnership highlights two leading airlines collaborating to bring excellence to their global community of travellers.
Kenya Airways has been recognised as Africa’s Leading Airline and Business Class by the World Travel Awards 2025 for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways, the only five-star global airline based in the Middle East and the reigning World’s Best Airline as voted by Skytrax in 2025, offers over 170 weekly flights to 30 cities across Africa. Over the past year, Qatar Airways has also optimised its schedule in most African destinations to improve connectivity to key destinations, including Brussels, Guangzhou, London, New York, and Washington through its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.