Qatar eyes African expansion as it reestablishes Rwanda route
June 26, 2025
In line with its strategy to expand its African network Qatar Airways has resumed flights between Doha and Kigali.
The return of its flights to the Rwandan capital builds on Qatar’s existing codeshare links with RwandAir and its involvement in the new mega-hub Bugesera Airport, just outside Kigali. “This is part of a suite of initiatives, such as our investment last year in southern Africa’s regional carrier, Airlink, which positions Qatar Airways as a key player within Africa’s aviation ecosystem,” said the airline’s CCO, Thierry Antinori.
Positioning Rwanda as an African aviation hub
The air link, which had previously operated with a stopover until 2021 was first introduced by Qatar back in 2012. The Middle Eastern carrier’s decision to resume direct flights signals a major step in reinforcing Africa’s aviation growth and boosts Rwanda’s position as a regional aviation hub. In December 2019, Qatar Airways acquired a 60% stake in Rwanda’s Bugesera Airport, amid ambitions to position the country as a central African aviation hub.
The route to Kigali will be operated on Airbus A320 aircraft four times a week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The flights will strengthen tourism and trade links between the two destinations and will bolster Qatar’s capacity across the continent, which currently averages over 44,000 seats per week.
“Africa is a vast, growing and underserved market,” added Antinori. “Increasing our network in this vital region underscores our commitment to global connectivity, working in partnership with African states to support the continent’s trade, business and tourism potential.”
Qatar eyes growth on the African continent
Offering over 170 weekly flights to 30 cities across Africa, Qatar is currently celebrating two decades of flights to South Africa and Kenya and recently added nine Boeing 777 freighter to its usual schedule on its Nairobi-Doha route.. The airline also recently announced passengers on select African routes will now benefit from access to free, high-speed WiFi connectivity while on board.
In addition to its investment in Bugesera Airport, Qatar Airways has previously spoken of plans to take a 49% stake in RwandAir. The two airlines first began working commercially together in 2021 when they signed a codeshare agreement spanning 65 routes across Africa and the rest of the world.
What does it mean for RwandAir?
Qatar’s decision to restart direct flights between Kigali and Doha has several implications for RwandAir, which also operates six non-stop flights a week between the two cities. The route is served by its 737-800 fleet. Most notably, Qatar’s reintroduction of direct flights will mean stronger passenger competition on the route and could draw away premium passengers and traffic. However, it could also sees gains through an enhanced network, cargo collaboration and operational efficiencies.
