Kenya Airways Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka and Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. Photo | courtesy.
Kenya Airways (KQ) and Qatar Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalizing a strategic partnership that is set to reshape air travel between Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
The agreement, inked in Doha by Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka, outlines a broad collaboration across passenger services, cargo operations, and aviation infrastructure.
Under the new pact, the two airlines will enter into an expansive codeshare agreement, enabling seamless travel for passengers across both carriers’ networks.
As part of the agreement, Qatar Airways will add a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi.
Additionally, Kenya Airways will operate direct flights between Mombasa and Doha, marketed by Qatar Airways, starting this winter season.
“This partnership is yet another demonstration of our deepening ties with the African region,” said Al-Meer.
“Today’s agreement, which comes as we celebrate 20 years of flying to Kenya, reinforces our commitment to contributing to Africa’s dynamic aviation and economic ecosystem.”
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Kilavuka hailed the partnership as a key milestone in Kenya Airways’ transformation journey.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our turnaround strategy and will support efforts to grow tourism and cargo two sectors vital to Kenya’s economic growth.”
The MoU also opens the door for cooperation in cargo, ground services, loyalty programmes, procurement, and aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
The announcement comes on the heels of the National carrier’s recognition at the 2025 World Travel Awards, where it was named Africa’s Leading Airline for the fourth year running.
