Qatar Airways Expands Its African Reach With New Flights To Kinshasa
Qatar Airways has expanded its global network by launching a new route to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), connecting Kinshasa with key destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The flight from Doha to Kinshasa's N'djili International Airport marked a significant milestone on Saturday, June 1, 2024, as Kinshasa became the 29th African destination in Qatar Airways' extensive network. This development is set to enhance air connectivity across the African continent, fostering economic growth, business opportunities, and cultural exchanges.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, emphasized the airline's commitment to Africa, stating, "We are dedicated to enhancing connectivity throughout the continent, enabling seamless access to business and leisure opportunities." He also highlighted the convenience offered to passengers traveling to and from the DRC through the airline's award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport. The service will operate four times a week, not only connecting Kinshasa to the world but also increasing the service to Angola by raising the number of flights to Luanda from one to four weekly.
The introduction of this route underscores Qatar Airways' ongoing commitment to the African continent, which has seen a robust growth in its network. Since December 2020, nine new African destinations have been added, including cities like Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt, along with the resumption of flights to Cairo and Alexandria.
Moreover, Qatar Airways has optimized its schedules in most of the African markets over the last 12 months to ensure efficient connectivity to China, a key market for the continent. The new service to Kinshasa is strategically timed to offer convenient connections with important markets such as Belgium, France, Portugal, and the Middle East.
The flight schedule for the new Doha to Kinshasa route is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers seeking convenient travel options. The schedule is as follows:
| Day | Route | Flight No. | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday and Saturday | Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH) | QR1491 | 02:45 | 08:10 |
| Monday and Saturday | Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH) via Luanda (LAD) | QR1491 | 09:40 | 22:50 |
| Thursday and Friday | Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH) via Luanda (LAD) | QR1489 | 09:20 | 18:25 |
| Thursday and Friday | Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH) | QR1489 | 19:55 | 05:45+1 |
This expansion by Qatar Airways is a testament to the airline's vision of increasing its footprint across the African continent, enabling greater connectivity and opening doors to new business and leisure opportunities. The new route to Kinshasa not only strengthens the airline's African network but also reinforces its position as a leading global carrier connecting continents seamlessly.
