Qatar Airways Inaugurates Flights to Kinshasa, Expanding African Network
Qatar Airways has launched a new route to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking its 29th destination in Africa. The inaugural flight from Doha touched down at N’djili International Airport on Saturday, June 1, 2024, enhancing connectivity between the DRC and major global markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
This new route connects Kinshasa to the world via Qatar Airways’ Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, which was recently voted the 'World's Best Airport' by Skytrax in 2024. The addition of Kinshasa aims to boost economic and business opportunities, as well as cultural ties, by improving air connectivity across the African continent.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO, emphasized the airline’s commitment to Africa, stating, "We recognize the immense potential in Africa and are dedicated to enhancing connectivity throughout the continent, enabling seamless access to business and leisure opportunities."
The new service includes four weekly flights, also increasing the number of flights to Luanda, Angola, from one to four. This expansion highlights Qatar Airways' dedication to improving accessibility within Africa, with over 170 weekly flights across the continent.
Since December 2020, Qatar Airways has added nine new destinations in Africa, including Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt. The airline has also optimized schedules in most African markets to ensure convenient connectivity to China and key markets in Europe and the Middle East.
Kinshasa, the capital and economic hub of the DRC, is the third-largest city in Africa. Known for its cultural diversity, vibrant music scene, and pristine natural surroundings along the Congo River, the city presents numerous opportunities for investment and tourism.
Flight schedules to Kinshasa are as follows:
- Monday and Saturday:
- Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH): QR1491, Departure 02:45, Arrival 08:10
- Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH) via Luanda (LAD): QR1491, Departure 09:40, Arrival 22:50
- Thursday and Friday:
- Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH) via Luanda (LAD): QR1489, Departure 09:20, Arrival 18:25
- Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH): QR1489, Departure 19:55, Arrival 05:45+1
Tickets are available for booking on Qatar Airways' official website, with options for Discover Qatar stopover packages. These include hotel accommodations and customizable add-ons like airport assistance and city tours.