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Qatar, Kenya Airways expand codeshare to 19 routes

Two aircraft at Doha, Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways tails side by side, illustrating expanded codeshare routes and one-ticket connectivity.
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3 min read

Key points

  • 19 new codeshare destinations open via Doha from Nairobi
  • Tickets on sale from October 21, first travel October 26
  • Baggage follows IATA Most Significant Carrier rules
  • Premium lounge access depends on cabin and fare type
  • Reissues follow issuing carrier and fare rules

Impact

Who Is Affected
Nairobi-origin passengers connecting via Doha on mixed Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways itineraries.
What Changed
A codeshare expansion adds 19 onward destinations through Hamad International Airport.
Where And When
Tickets expected from October 21, 2025, with first travel October 26, 2025.
What To Do
Book single-ticket itineraries, confirm baggage allowance shown on your e-ticket, and check lounge and reissue rules for your fare.

Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have expanded their partnership to open 19 new codeshare destinations for Nairobi-origin travelers connecting through Hamad International Airport (DOH). Tickets are slated to go on sale October 21, 2025, for travel beginning October 26, 2025. The move gives Kenya Airways customers one-ticket access to Asian and Middle Eastern cities such as Bahrain, Colombo, Islamabad, Karachi, Malé, Singapore, and Tokyo Narita, tightening schedules and simplifying disruptions handling on a single booking.

Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways codeshare expansion

The carriers say additional routes could be added in later phases. In the other direction, Qatar Airways customers gain access to eight Kenya Airways points within East Africa via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), supported by up to three daily Nairobi-Doha services. For travelers, the practical benefit is cleaner minimum connection times and aligned support when things go wrong, compared with stitching separate tickets.

Latest developments

Kenya Airways' inventory is expected to load from October 21, with first codeshare travel from October 26, 2025. The first tranche of onward cities named by the partners includes Bahrain, Colombo, Islamabad, Karachi, Malé, Singapore, and Tokyo Narita, with more to follow as schedules firm up.

Analysis

Baggage: On single-ticket mixed-carrier journeys, baggage rules follow IATA's Most Significant Carrier framework. Practically, your e-ticket displays the governing allowance and any fees; do not assume both airlines' websites match your receipt if rules differ by sector. Through-check is standard on a single QR/KQ ticket.

Lounges: In Doha, premium access is tied to class of service and fare brand. Qatar's Al Mourjan lounges admit passengers traveling in Qatar Airways or oneworld Business or First, excluding many "Business Lite" fares unless access is purchased. In Nairobi, Kenya Airways' Pride and Asante lounges admit KQ Business Class passengers and eligible SkyTeam elites; economy passengers may buy access during set hours. Always verify your fare brand before assuming lounge entry on a codeshare.

Reissues and disruptions: Rebooking on mixed-metal tickets is governed by the issuing carrier and your fare rules. Qatar's schedule-change guidance requires acknowledging, rebooking, or canceling impacted segments and reissuing tickets at least two days before departure; Kenya Airways' published notices and conditions of carriage outline involuntary reissue wording and refund triggers for significant changes. If irregular operations hit, work through the ticketing airline first to keep the itinerary coherent.

For travelers choosing Doha as a super-connector, the expanded map pairs well with Qatar Airways' ongoing network growth and premium-ground upgrades, including the carrier's planned New York lounge and winter frequency increases that improve onward connectivity. Consider timing your Nairobi-Doha arrival to meet the heaviest bank of Asia departures. Qatar Airways winter flights add 94 weekly frequencies and JFK's 2026 lounge move provide additional context for long-haul planners.

Final thoughts

The Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways codeshare gives Nairobi flyers one-ticket access to 19 cities through Doha from late October, streamlining bags, support, and schedules. Confirm your fare's baggage line, check lounge eligibility by cabin and brand, and keep the issuing carrier's number handy for any reissue needs tied to mixed-metal itineraries.

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