Published on
January 20, 2026
Qatar Airways is significantly expanding its services to South Africa in the first half of 2026, responding to the growing demand for both leisure and business travel between Africa and the rest of the world. The airline’s new schedule includes more frequent flights to key South African cities—Cape Town, Johannesburg, Maputo, and Durban—as well as the deployment of upgraded aircraft, providing travelers with greater flexibility and improved travel options. This expansion reflects Qatar Airways’ ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence in Africa and enhancing its global connectivity.
Starting in February 2026, Qatar Airways will boost its operations on the Doha–Cape Town route, increasing its weekly flights from 12 to 14 between 17 February and 28 March 2026. The airline will use the advanced Airbus A350-900 on this route, providing passengers with a more comfortable and modern flying experience. After a brief off-peak adjustment period from April to June, when frequencies will drop to 7 weekly flights, the route will return to 14 flights per week from 14 June onward. Additionally, selected services will be operated by the larger Airbus A350-1000, which offers more capacity and a premium onboard experience for travelers.
Expanding Services to Johannesburg: Enhanced Frequencies and Aircraft Upgrades
The Doha–Johannesburg corridor is also set to see notable changes in 2026. From 16 to 27 February, Qatar Airways will replace the Airbus A350-1000 with Boeing 787-9 aircraft on select services, showcasing a strategic fleet mix to meet varying passenger demand. Between 18 February and 28 March, the airline will increase the frequency of flights from 18 to 21 weekly, operated by both Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft.
During the off-peak period from 12 April to 14 June, the schedule will temporarily scale back to 14 weekly flights. However, from 15 June onward, the route will return to 21 weekly flights, with both Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787 aircraft operating on this route. This expansion aims to cater to the growing demand for travel between Doha and Johannesburg, one of the major business and tourism hubs in Africa.
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Increased Connectivity on the Maputo–Durban Route
In addition to its increased flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg, Qatar Airways will also expand its services to the Maputo–Durban route, increasing weekly flights from 5 to 7 starting on 5 March 2026. This new frequency will be operated using the Airbus A350-900, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience for those flying to and from Mozambique and South Africa’s east coast.
While there will be some exceptions between late March and mid-June, the overall trend is toward more frequent flights and improved connectivity for passengers traveling between the two regions. This expansion reflects Qatar Airways’ commitment to offering more convenient options for travelers between Southern Africa and its global network.
Enhancing South Africa’s Role as a Tourism Hub
The increase in flights to South Africa is expected to significantly enhance the country’s tourism sector, making it even more accessible to international visitors. With Qatar Airways’ expanded services, tourists traveling from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East will find it easier to access South Africa’s world-class attractions, including the beautiful beaches of Cape Town, the vibrant city life of Johannesburg, and the rich cultural and natural heritage of Durban and the surrounding areas.
Qatar Airways’ expanded network will also support the growing business travel sector in South Africa. As the airline increases its flight options, corporate travelers will enjoy greater flexibility when booking flights between Doha and South Africa, making it easier to connect to key markets in Europe, Asia, and the Americas via Hamad International Airport in Doha.
Supporting Africa’s Growing Aviation Industry
Qatar Airways’ expansion in South Africa is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its footprint across the African continent, which is experiencing rapid growth in both tourism and business travel. By increasing flight frequencies and deploying next-generation aircraft, Qatar Airways aims to enhance its connectivity between South Africa and key destinations worldwide. The airline’s commitment to providing passengers with more flexible and efficient travel options is a clear sign of its ongoing investment in Africa’s aviation industry.
Moreover, the increased presence of Qatar Airways in Southern Africa provides new opportunities for collaboration with local tourism boards, businesses, and travel agencies. The airline’s expanded services open up new possibilities for travelers and support the broader growth of the region’s tourism infrastructure.
Sustainable Travel and Enhanced Passenger Comfort
Qatar Airways’ investment in advanced aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 families will not only increase capacity but also improve the sustainability of air travel. Both aircraft are designed to be more fuel-efficient, reducing emissions and providing passengers with a more comfortable travel experience. These eco-friendly upgrades align with the growing trend of sustainable travel, meeting the expectations of environmentally conscious passengers.
With their spacious cabins, advanced entertainment systems, and quieter engines, the A350 and 787 aircraft ensure that travelers enjoy a superior flying experience, whether they are traveling for business or leisure. The increased capacity on these routes means that more passengers will be able to enjoy the benefits of these modern aircraft, making it easier to travel between Southern Africa and the rest of the world.
Conclusion: A New Era for South Africa’s Connectivity
Qatar Airways’ expansion into South Africa marks a new era for travel in and out of the region, offering increased flight options, upgraded aircraft, and improved connectivity for tourists and business travelers alike. As the airline continues to strengthen its African network, passengers can expect more convenience, comfort, and flexibility when traveling to and from South Africa. Whether for leisure or business, the new routes make it easier to experience the best of South Africa, while also providing greater access to markets around the world.
As Qatar Airways continues to invest in its African routes, travelers from all corners of the globe will find it easier to explore the dynamic and diverse regions of South Africa, making the country an even more attractive destination for tourism and business alike.
