Airlink Opens Doha route Through Qatar Airways Codeshare

August 13, 2026 in Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Airlink is adding Doha as its first long-haul destination through an expanded Qatar Airways codeshare, opening wider global connections.

 

South African regional carrier Airlink is expanding its international reach by adding Doha to its network through an expanded codeshare partnership with Qatar Airways. The move gives its customers access to their first long-haul destination through Qatar Airways-operated flights.

Under the expanded agreement, Airlink will place its 4Z code on Qatar Airways flights between South Africa and Doha from 31 August 2026, with the partnership initially covering services from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

The move marks a significant shift in Airlink’s network strategy, allowing the carrier to extend its market reach beyond the regional destinations it serves with its own aircraft while leveraging Qatar Airways’ extensive global network.

Airlink will market twice-daily Johannesburg–Doha services, operated by Qatar Airways with Airbus A350 aircraft. From Cape Town, Airlink will offer 10 weekly services, while Durban will have a daily service to Doha, with those flights operating via Maputo.

The agreement effectively creates a long-haul proposition for Airlink, without requiring the airline to deploy its own metal on the long-haul routes.

“This codeshare is an important initial element in Airlink’s expanded network and market-reach strategy,” said Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht. “It strengthens the airline’s market relevance and, leveraging Qatar Airways’ global presence, opens unparalleled connectivity opportunities for its customers.”

The partnership also gives Airlink customers onward access through Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport, potentially opening connections to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and other international markets.

The expanded arrangement reciprocates an earlier codeshare agreement signed in 2022, under which Qatar Airways placed its QR code on Airlink’s domestic South African and selected regional flights.

It also deepens a relationship that has become strategically important since Qatar Airways acquired a 25pc minority stake in Airlink in 2024.

The two airlines have also strengthened their frequent-flyer relationship. Their loyalty partnership, launched in early 2025, allows Airlink Skybucks members to earn and redeem Skybucks on eligible flights, while Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can earn and redeem Avios on flights operated by either carrier.

For Qatar Airways, the expanded codeshare reinforces its push to deepen connectivity between Africa and the rest of its global network. As of August 2026, Qatar Airways operates 194 weekly flights to 27 cities in 20 African countries, alongside a network of interline and codeshare partnerships.

The airline said its cooperation with Airlink builds on more than three decades of operations in Africa, dating back to its first African flight in 1994.

The Doha services are already available for sale through Airlink’s sales channels and its website for travel from 31 August.