Qatar Airways Increase Connections to Southern Africa

Through a codesharing agreement with Johannesburg-based airline Airlink, Qatar Airways is increasing connections throughout southern Africa.

The new arrangement offers links between southern Africa and the rest of the world from 13 countries and 45 destinations there.

With better connectivity to South African cities including Port Elizabeth, Hoedspruit, Skukuza, and George as well as nations like Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, the partnership expands Qatar Airways’ presence in southern Africa.

Last year, Qatar Airways began flying to Luanda, Harare, and Lusaka from Doha. This month, it will begin flights to Windhoek, adding another connectivity to Airlink’s regional network via eight regional gateways.

Subject to regulatory permission, the new codeshare flights are scheduled to launch on 6th July.

From Doha, Qatar Airways has 21 weekly direct flights to Johannesburg, 10 weekly flights to Cape Town, and four weekly flights to Durban.

Akbar al Baker, the group’s chief executive, said: “Expanding our network with Airlink gives our customers more choice of destinations and flights, that we hope will contribute to the rapid recovery of travel, which plays such an important role in southern African economies.

“We have boosted our presence in the African market by adding eight new destinations since the start of the pandemic and fostering partnerships such as this dynamic agreement with Airlink which will greatly enhance our offering to our customers and support travel and trade.”

Rodger Foster, Airlink chief executive,  added: “This development is an endorsement of Airlink’s relevance to providing air access to the entire region through our expansive network of destinations, which when considered in conjunction with Qatar Airways’ global reach creates unparalleled connectivity opportunities.

“As southern Africa’s leading airline, Airlink provides comprehensive, safe, and reliable air transportation services, enabling socio-economic development by connecting people with each other and facilitating trade within the region and beyond.”