Qatar Airways Unveils Major South Africa Expansion with More Flights and Enhanced Aircraft in 2026

Qatar Airways, the flag carrier of Qatar, is set to significantly boost its presence in South Africa during the first half of 2026, unveiling a robust schedule of increased frequencies and upgraded aircraft across its key routes. This expansion is designed to deliver greater flexibility, improved connectivity, and enhanced travel options for both business and leisure travellers—a move that will be closely watched by Africa’s tourism professionals and aviation partners.

On the Doha–Cape Town route, the airline will increase weekly flights from 12 to 14 between 17 February and 28 March 2026, deploying the advanced Airbus A350-900. After a brief off-peak adjustment from 19 April to 13 June, when frequencies will drop to 7 weekly, the route will return to 14 flights per week from 14 June onward. Selected services will then feature the larger Airbus A350-1000, offering more capacity and a premium onboard experience.

The Doha–Johannesburg corridor will also see notable changes. From 16 to 27 February 2026, Boeing 787-9 aircraft will replace the A350-1000 on select services, reflecting a strategic fleet mix. Between 18 February and 28 March, frequencies will rise from 18 to 21 weekly flights, operated by a combination of Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. During the off-peak period from 12 April to 14 June, the schedule will scale back to 14 weekly flights, before ramping up again to 21 weekly from 15 June, with both Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787 aircraft in service.

For the Doha–Maputo–Durban route, Qatar Airways will increase services from 5 to 7 weekly flights starting 5 March 2026, using the Airbus A350-900. There will be some exceptions between late March and mid-June, but the overall trend is toward greater frequency and improved connectivity for travellers heading to and from Mozambique and South Africa’s east coast.

This expansion is part of a broader strategy by Qatar Airways to strengthen its African network and respond to rising demand for both inbound and outbound travel. The airline’s increased frequencies and aircraft upgrades are expected to enhance connectivity between South Africa and Qatar’s global network of over 170 destinations, making it easier for African travellers to access key markets in Europe, Asia, and the Americas via Hamad International Airport in Doha.

For Africa’s tourism industry, these developments offer new opportunities to attract international visitors, facilitate business travel, and support the continent’s growing role as a global aviation hub. The use of next-generation aircraft like the A350 and 787 families also promises a more comfortable and sustainable travel experience, aligning with evolving passenger expectations and environmental goals.

As Qatar Airways continues to invest in its South African routes, travel professionals across the continent should prepare for increased competition, new partnership possibilities, and a broader range of options for their clients. The airline’s commitment to expanding its African footprint is a clear signal that the region remains a priority in the evolving landscape of global air travel.