Qatar Airways has announced an expansion of its flight operations to South Africa, increasing frequencies to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban from February 2026.
The move is aimed at meeting rising demand for both business and leisure travel, while strengthening the country’s links to the airline’s extensive global network.
The expanded schedule will increase Qatar Airways’ total weekly flights to South Africa from 35 to 42, enhancing connectivity between South Africa and more than 170 destinations worldwide via the airline’s Doha hub at Hamad International Airport.
Under the revised schedule, flights between Johannesburg and Doha will increase from 18 to 21 per week from 18 February 2026. Cape Town will see its Doha services rise from 12 to 14 weekly flights effective 17 February 2026, while Durban–Doha flights, operated via Maputo, will increase from five to seven per week from 5 March 2026.
According to the airline, the additional services are designed to strengthen links between South Africa and major international markets, including China, Europe, and the United States, while supporting tourism growth and trade flows through its Doha hub.
The expansion follows a busy year for Qatar Airways across Africa, marked by deeper collaboration with African carriers such as Air Algérie, Kenya Airways and RwandAir. It also builds on the airline’s strategic partnership with Airlink, after Qatar Airways acquired a 25% stake in the South African regional airline in October 2024.
Beyond passenger travel, Qatar Airways continues to play a key role in supporting African export industries through its cargo operations. The airline offers belly-hold capacity on passenger flights and operates dedicated freighters serving sectors such as fresh produce, horticulture, and textiles.
Qatar Airways Cargo currently transports more than 6,000 tonnes of cargo into and out of Africa every week.
On selected African routes, the airline has also enhanced the passenger experience by introducing additional onboard connectivity, including gate-to-gate Starlink Wi-Fi, subject to local regulatory approvals. Inflight services have been tailored further with regionally inspired meals and an expanded selection of African music.
Qatar Airways has served Africa for more than three decades, having launched its first African route in 1994. Today, the airline operates more than 170 weekly flights to 29 cities across 21 African countries, supported by interline and codeshare agreements with partner airlines across the continent.