Qatar Airways Touches Down for the First Time in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Qatar Airways has officially expanded its network in Africa with a new route to Kinshasa. The inaugural flight from Doha to Kinshasa landed at N’djili International Airport on Saturday, 1 June 2024, making Kinshasa the airline’s 29th destination on the African continent. This new route is set to enhance connectivity between the DRC and major markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia through Qatar Airways' hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, which was recently named the 'World’s Best Airport' by Skytrax in 2024.
The introduction of this route underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to strengthening economic and business links across Africa, providing vital access to key global markets. The airline’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, expressed the strategic importance of this expansion, stating, “At Qatar Airways, we recognize the immense potential in Africa. We are dedicated to enhancing connectivity throughout the continent, enabling seamless access to business and leisure opportunities. We look forward to offering our passengers traveling to and from the DRC convenient travel options through our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.”
The new service includes four weekly flights to Kinshasa, which will also boost capacity to Angola, increasing the number of flights to Luanda from one to four per week. This addition aligns with Qatar Airways' broader strategy of increasing its presence across Africa, where it now operates over 170 weekly flights.
Since December 2020, Qatar Airways has launched services to nine new destinations in Africa: Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Kinshasa, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt. Additionally, services to Cairo and Alexandria have been resumed, reflecting strong growth in the market. The airline’s schedules in most African markets have been optimized to ensure convenient connections to key global destinations, including China, and European markets such as Belgium, France, and Portugal.
Kinshasa, the capital and economic hub of the DRC, is Africa's third-largest city after Cairo and Lagos. Known for its cultural diversity, vibrant music scene, and pristine natural attractions, Kinshasa offers significant opportunities for investment and tourism. Its strategic location along the Congo River makes it an appealing destination for both business and leisure travelers.
This new route by Qatar Airways not only enhances air connectivity but also opens up new opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange between the DRC and the rest of the world.
