Qatar Airways Expands its African Network with Kinshasa as its Newest Destination
In a significant stride towards enhancing global connectivity, Qatar Airways has inaugurated a new route to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The inaugural flight from Doha to Kinshasa landed at N’djili International Airport on Saturday, 1 June 2024, marking a historic moment as Qatar Airways extends its footprint to its 29th destination in Africa. This strategic expansion underscores the airline’s commitment to connecting Africa with key markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia via its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, which was recently named the ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax in 2024.
Strengthening Economic and Business Ties
The new Kinshasa route is set to become a vital gateway, fostering stronger economic and business connections between the DRC and the rest of the world. As a bustling metropolis and the third largest city in Africa, Kinshasa serves as the economic heartbeat of the DRC, presenting myriad opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. The enhanced air connectivity facilitated by Qatar Airways will undoubtedly bolster trade, investment, and tourism, driving economic growth and development in the region.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “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 travelling to and from the DRC convenient travel options through our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport.”
Expanding Reach Across Africa
With the addition of Kinshasa, Qatar Airways now operates over 170 weekly flights across Africa, reflecting its steadfast commitment to the continent. The airline’s network has seen remarkable growth, with nine new destinations added since December 2020, including Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt. Furthermore, Qatar Airways has optimized its schedules in most African markets over the past year to ensure seamless connectivity to China, a crucial market for African exports and business ventures. This strategic scheduling also extends to Kinshasa, providing convenient connections to key markets such as Belgium, France, Portugal, and the Middle East.
Flight Schedule to Kinshasa
Qatar Airways will operate four weekly services to Kinshasa, significantly enhancing travel options for passengers. The detailed flight schedule is as follows:
Every Monday and Saturday (all local time):
- Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH) – Flight No. QR1491
- Departure from DOH: 02:45
- Arrival at FIH: 08:10
- Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH) – Flight No. QR1491 via Luanda (LAD)
- Departure from FIH: 09:40
- Arrival at DOH: 22:50
Every Thursday and Friday (all local time):
- Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH) – Flight No. QR1489 via Luanda (LAD)
- Departure from DOH: 09:20
- Arrival at FIH: 18:25
- Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH) – Flight No. QR1489
- Departure from FIH: 19:55
- Arrival at DOH: 05:45+1
These flights are available for booking on the Qatar Airways website, providing travellers with flexible options to explore the vibrant city of Kinshasa or connect onwards to other global destinations.
Discover Qatar Stopover Packages
To enhance the travel experience, Qatar Airways offers a variety of Discover Qatar stopover packages. These packages include hotel accommodation, and 24-hour check-in, and can be tailored with add-on options such as airport assistance, transfers, and a range of tours and experiences, including city and desert tours. This initiative not only makes the journey more enjoyable but also encourages travellers to explore the rich culture and heritage of Qatar during their stopover.
Kinshasa: A Gateway to Culture and Nature
Kinshasa, nestled along the majestic Congo River, is renowned for its cultural diversity, vibrant music scene, and pristine natural landscapes. As the capital and economic hub of the DRC, the city offers a unique blend of urban dynamism and natural beauty, attracting both business travellers and tourists. From the bustling markets and lively arts scene to the tranquil banks of the Congo River, Kinshasa promises an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
The strategic location of Kinshasa makes it an ideal entry point for exploring the wider DRC and its diverse attractions, including the lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and wildlife-rich national parks. This new route by Qatar Airways opens up endless possibilities for adventurers and nature enthusiasts seeking to discover the hidden gems of the DRC.
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