Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Tanzania Joins Nigeria, Japan, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Spain, France, And More In Boosting Travel As Qatar Airways Introduces New Routes To Paris, Rome, Riyadh, Cape Town, Lagos, And More
Published on
January 20, 2026
Tanzania joins Nigeria, Japan, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Spain, France, and more in the surge of global travel as Qatar Airways unveils new direct flights to Paris, Rome, Riyadh, Cape Town, Lagos, and other key destinations. This ambitious expansion is fueled by the growing demand for effortless global connectivity and expanding business opportunities. With a sharp focus on improving access to major international cities, Qatar Airways is not only solidifying its presence in high-demand markets but also nurturing tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges. These new routes, launching in 2025 and 2026, exemplify the airline’s unwavering dedication to providing travelers with direct access to some of the world’s most iconic locations while reinforcing Doha’s status as a pivotal hub for international travel.
Qatar Airways, renowned for its expansive network, continues to shape global travel by introducing a wide array of new routes that are transforming travel options for passengers worldwide. The airline’s decision to introduce new direct flights to destinations such as Paris, Rome, Riyadh, Cape Town, and Lagos signals its unwavering commitment to expanding and enhancing its global reach. In 2025 and 2026, Qatar Airways is cementing its place as one of the world’s most interconnected airlines by providing both business and leisure travelers with unmatched connectivity to major international destinations.
Among the new additions, Tanzania, along with countries such as Nigeria, Japan, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and France, is experiencing a surge in travel as Qatar Airways opens new direct routes to these regions. This expansion not only strengthens the airline’s position in the market but also bolsters global tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. The introduction of these new routes is a significant move to boost connectivity between key international markets and Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, one of the world’s most advanced and efficient airports.
As we dive into this comprehensive look at Qatar Airways’ ongoing growth, we’ll explore the routes, the strategic partnerships, and the impact these new destinations are set to have on international travel.
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A Year of Expansion: Qatar Airways’ Growing Global Reach
Qatar Airways has always been a leader in expanding its route network, continuously striving to offer more direct connections and better accessibility to travelers. In 2025 and 2026, the airline is focusing on key destinations that are essential for both business travel and tourism, significantly improving flight options for passengers worldwide. From Africa to Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Qatar Airways is reinforcing its international footprint with an impressive number of new direct flights.
The airline’s expansion comes on the heels of increased demand for international air travel, particularly in regions that serve as major business and leisure hubs. Qatar Airways is keen to meet these needs by launching direct flights to cities like Paris, Rome, Lagos, and Riyadh, while also increasing the frequency of services to Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Key Routes Added by Qatar Airways
Here is a breakdown of the new direct flights that Qatar Airways is offering in 2025 and 2026:
Tanzania (Dar es Salaam & Kilimanjaro)
Qatar Airways is now offering direct flights to Tanzania, expanding its footprint in East Africa. These new routes connect Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro with Doha, enhancing connectivity for travelers wishing to explore Tanzania’s world-famous wildlife safaris, cultural landmarks, and pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean.Nigeria (Lagos & Abuja)
Qatar Airways continues to strengthen its presence in West Africa with new direct flights to Lagos and Abuja. These routes serve as a vital connection for both business travelers and tourists, facilitating trade and commerce between Nigeria and the rest of the world.Japan (Tokyo & Osaka)
The airline is expanding its reach to Japan with more direct flights to Tokyo and Osaka. As Asia continues to be a hub of innovation and business, these new routes will make it easier for travelers to access Japan’s bustling economy and rich cultural heritage.South Africa (Cape Town & Johannesburg)
South Africa remains one of Qatar Airways’ top destinations in Africa, with Cape Town and Johannesburg receiving more frequent flights. The introduction of additional routes comes in response to increasing demand from both business and leisure travelers seeking to explore South Africa’s vibrant tourism industry.Saudi Arabia (Riyadh & Jeddah)
As part of its expansion into the Middle East, Qatar Airways is increasing its direct flights to Riyadh and Jeddah. These cities are not only major commercial hubs but also gateways to religious tourism, with Jeddah being the gateway to Mecca and Riyadh serving as Saudi Arabia’s political and economic center.Spain (Madrid & Barcelona)
With a strong presence in Europe, Qatar Airways is introducing more direct flights to Spain, specifically to Madrid and Barcelona. Spain is a top destination for tourists, known for its rich cultural heritage, art, architecture, and cuisine. These new routes will provide seamless connectivity for travelers from the Gulf region to Europe.France (Paris & Nice)
Paris and Nice in France are among the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. Qatar Airways is expanding its operations to France with more direct flights to these iconic cities. Paris, known for its romantic ambiance and cultural landmarks, and Nice, with its stunning Mediterranean coastline, will be more accessible than ever for travelers from Doha and beyond.Strategic Expansion and Partnerships
Qatar Airways’ decision to add new destinations is not just about growing its flight network; it’s also about deepening its strategic partnerships. Over the past years, the airline has forged critical collaborations with various airlines to strengthen its network across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
For instance, in Africa, Qatar Airways has entered into a strategic partnership with Air Algérie, Kenya Airways, and RwandAir, allowing for codeshare agreements that increase the airline’s reach across the continent. Similarly, the airline’s partnership with Airlink has been pivotal, giving Qatar Airways more access to destinations within Southern Africa.
What These New Routes Mean for Travelers
For travelers, these new routes represent more than just convenience. They offer an opportunity to explore the world with ease, connecting cities that were previously difficult to access via direct flights. By expanding its network, Qatar Airways is making it easier for tourists and business travelers alike to visit some of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Convenience: New direct flights mean fewer stopovers, less travel time, and smoother connections to key global cities.Connectivity: With enhanced services to both business and tourism hubs, passengers can seamlessly connect to major global markets like Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.Increased Frequency: Many popular routes, like Cape Town and Johannesburg, are seeing increased frequency, giving passengers more options for flexible travel dates.Cultural Exchange: Qatar Airways’ expansion supports cultural exchange between different regions, offering travelers new experiences, from exploring the bustling streets of Riyadh to the serene landscapes of Tanzania.Sustainability and Innovation in Qatar Airways’ Expansion
Qatar Airways is also committed to reducing its environmental footprint as it expands its operations. In addition to introducing more fuel-efficient aircraft, the airline has integrated Starlink Wi-Fi on selected African routes. This connectivity innovation is aimed at keeping passengers connected while reducing the environmental impact of traditional in-flight communication systems.
Moreover, the airline’s focus on regional food and entertainment—like regionally inspired meals and curated African music—adds to the unique travel experience while celebrating the rich diversity of each destination.
Qatar Airways Routes Summary:
Here’s a quick overview of all the new direct flights by Qatar Airways:
TanzaniaNigeriaJapanSouth AfricaSaudi ArabiaSpainFranceOther European RoutesRome, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich, BrusselsMiddle Eastern RoutesAmericasMiami, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Sao Paulo, Mexico City
Qatar Airways’ expansion in 2025 and 2026 marks a transformative period in global air travel. As the airline continues to add direct flights to high-demand destinations and undiscovered gems alike, it sets the stage for enhanced tourism, stronger business ties, and enriched cultural exchanges. With new routes connecting major cities across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Qatar Airways is firmly positioning itself as the gateway to the world.
Tanzania joins Nigeria, Japan, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Spain, France, and more in the rise of global travel as Qatar Airways expands with new direct flights to Paris, Rome, Riyadh, Cape Town, Lagos, and more. This growth is driven by the airline’s strategy to meet increasing demand for seamless global connectivity and enhance business and tourism opportunities.
For travelers, this is an exciting time. Whether you’re planning a business trip to Riyadh, a safari adventure in Tanzania, or a European holiday in Paris or Rome, Qatar Airways is offering an abundance of opportunities to explore new horizons with ease, comfort, and convenience.
