Airlink adds Doha as first long-haul destination via Qatar Airways codeshare, linking Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban

The arrangement makes Doha Airlink's first long-haul destination, while allowing passengers to connect through Hamad International Airport to destinations served by Qatar Airways.

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

South African routes

Airlink will codeshare on Qatar Airways flights currently operating between South Africa and Doha, with services from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

The schedules are:

• Johannesburg – Doha – Johannesburg: Double-daily services, operated with Airbus A350 aircraft.• Cape Town – Doha – Cape Town: 10 weekly services, operated with Airbus A350 aircraft.• Durban – Doha – Durban: One-daily service, operated with Airbus A350 aircraft. Flights on this route operate via Maputo.

The flights will be operated by Qatar Airways, with Airlink's 4Z code placed on the services.

Building on partnership

The expanded agreement builds on a 2022 codeshare between the two independently managed airlines, which enabled Qatar Airways to place its QR code on Airlink's domestic flights in South Africa and several regional routes.

Qatar Airways acquired a 25% minority shareholding in Airlink in 2024.

The expanded codeshare will allow Airlink customers to connect through Doha to destinations served by Qatar Airways.

The partnership is expected to expand in the coming months to include additional destinations across Qatar Airways' network.