A significant development in African aviation will take effect from 31 August 2026 as Airlink and Qatar Airways expanded their existing codeshare partnership to include long-haul flights between South Africa and Doha. For travellers across the continent — including those booking from Kenya — this opens new connectivity options through one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
What Has Changed
Airlink, the privately-owned South African regional carrier, is now placing its 4Z code on Qatar Airways-operated flights between South Africa and Doha. This makes Doha the first long-haul destination that Airlink markets under its own flight code — a milestone for a carrier that has traditionally focused on intra-African routes.
The routes now available under the expanded codeshare are:
- Johannesburg to Doha: Double-daily service operated with Airbus A350 aircraft
- Cape Town to Doha: Up to double-daily service operated with Airbus A350 aircraft
- Durban to Doha: Daily service via Maputo, operated with Airbus A350 aircraft
All flights are operated by Qatar Airways aircraft and connect through Hamad International Airport in Doha — Qatar Airways’ global hub and one of the best-connected airports in the world.
The Story Behind the Partnership
This expansion does not come out of nowhere. The relationship between Airlink and Qatar Airways has been building steadily:
In 2022, the two carriers signed an initial codeshare allowing Qatar Airways to place its QR code on Airlink’s domestic South African and regional African routes — giving Qatar passengers seamless connections into cities across southern and eastern Africa.
In 2024, Qatar Airways acquired a 25 per cent minority stake in Airlink, signalling a deeper strategic commitment beyond a standard commercial agreement.
In early 2025, the two airlines launched a joint loyalty arrangement linking Airlink Skybucks and Qatar Airways Privilege Club — allowing members of both programmes to earn and redeem points across either carrier’s network.
The August 2026 long-haul codeshare is the latest and most visible step in what has become one of the more significant airline partnerships on the continent.
What This Means for Travellers
For South African passengers, the expanded codeshare means access to Qatar Airways’ global network — covering over 150 destinations — bookable on a single Airlink-coded ticket. Through check-in and baggage handling simplifies the journey considerably.
For travellers elsewhere in Africa, including those booking from Kenya the development strengthens the Doha hub as a gateway into southern Africa. Airlink’s own network currently reaches more than 47 destinations across 15 African countries, meaning passengers connecting through Doha can book seamless onward journeys to cities like Harare, Windhoek, and beyond on a single itinerary.
For frequent flyers, the loyalty piece is meaningful. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can earn Avios on eligible Airlink flights. Airlink Skybucks members can earn Skybucks on both airlines under the partnership — redemption on Qatar Airways flights is expected to follow as the arrangement matures.
The Bigger Picture — Qatar Airways in Africa
Qatar Airways is not new to the African market. The carrier’s first African flight dates back to 1994 and the airline has steadily built one of the most comprehensive African networks of any non-African carrier. As of August 2026 it operates 194 weekly flights to 27 cities across 20 African countries.
The Airlink partnership fits into a broader strategy of deepening last-mile connectivity across the continent — using regional carriers like Airlink to extend reach into destinations where a wide-body Qatar Airways aircraft would not be commercially viable.
De Villiers Engelbrecht, CEO of Airlink, described the codeshare as “an important initial element in Airlink’s expanded network and market-reach strategy” that “leverages Qatar Airways’ global presence to open unparalleled connectivity opportunities” for its customers.
Booking the New Routes
Airlink’s codeshare flights between South Africa and Doha are now available for sale through Airlink’s own sales channels and at flyairlink.com for travel from 31 August 2026.
For travellers booking from Kenya who want to connect through Doha and onward into southern Africa on a single itinerary, or for those routing through Johannesburg or Cape Town on a Qatar Airways ticket, contact our office for routing advice and M-Pesa payment assistance.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 0743364862
Key Facts at a Glance
| Route | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg – Doha | Double-daily | Airbus A350 |
| Cape Town – Doha | Up to double-daily | Airbus A350 |
| Durban – Doha | Daily (via Maputo) | Airbus A350 |
This article is produced by an independent travel directory for informational purposes. For official booking information visit flyairlink.com or qatarairways.com. For assisted bookings and M-Pesa payment, call or WhatsApp 0743364862.