Qatar Airways Resumes Doha-Kigali Flights Boosting UK-Rwanda Links

Key Takeaways

• Qatar Airways resumed Doha-Kigali flights on June 25, 2025, operating four times weekly with Airbus A320 aircraft.
• The airline owns 60% of Bugesera International Airport and partners on 65 routes with RwandAir.
• Qatar Airways serves 30 African cities with 170+ weekly flights, boosting UK–Rwanda connectivity and regional trade.

Qatar Airways Resumes Kigali Flights: What This Means for UK–Rwanda Connectivity, Travelers, and Africa’s Aviation Future

Qatar Airways has officially restarted direct flights between Doha and Kigali, Rwanda, after a break of more than three years. The first flight landed in Kigali on June 25, 2025, marking a major step forward for travel, business, and investment between the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Rwanda 🇷🇼, and the wider African continent. The flights now run four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—using modern Airbus A320 aircraft. This move is part of a bigger plan by Qatar Airways to grow its presence in Africa and help Rwanda become a key aviation hub.

Let’s break down what this means for travelers, businesses, and the future of air travel in Africa.

Why Did Qatar Airways Resume Kigali Flights Now?

The Doha–Kigali route was suspended in December 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related airspace closures. With global travel picking up again and regional restrictions easing, Qatar Airways saw an opportunity to reconnect with Rwanda and the rest of Africa. According to Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer at Qatar Airways, “Africa is a vast, growing, and underserved market. Increasing our network in this vital region underscores our commitment to global connectivity, working in partnership with African states to support the continent’s trade, business, and tourism potential.”

The airline’s return to Kigali is not just about restoring a single route. It’s about building stronger links between Africa and the rest of the world, especially the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Europe, and Asia. The move also supports Rwanda’s goal to become a major player in aviation and trade.

Flight Details: Schedule, Aircraft, and Booking

Flight Schedule:
– Doha (DOH) to Kigali (KGL): QR1389 departs 08:20, arrives 13:30
– Kigali (KGL) to Doha (DOH): QR1390 departs 15:50, arrives 22:50
– Operates: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays

Aircraft:
All flights use the Airbus A320, which has 12 flatbed Business Class seats and 120 Economy seats. This aircraft is known for its comfort and reliability, making it a good choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Booking and Fare Rules:
– Tickets can be booked on the Qatar Airways official website.
– Tickets are non-endorsable (cannot be transferred to another airline) and non-transferable (cannot be given to another person).
– If the airline cancels your flight, you can rebook or choose a different route.
– If you miss your flight or cancel within 3 hours of departure, penalties apply.
– Passengers can use Avios points to pay for up to 50% of the fare.
– Full fare rules are available during the booking process.

Codeshare and Partnerships:
Qatar Airways has a strong partnership with RwandAir, Rwanda’s national airline. They share flight codes on 65 routes, making it easier for passengers to connect to more destinations. Qatar Airways also owns 60% of the new Bugesera International Airport project near Kigali, showing its long-term commitment to Rwanda.

How Does This Affect UK–Rwanda Travel?

For people traveling between the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and Rwanda 🇷🇼, the return of Qatar Airways flights to Kigali is a big win. Passengers can now fly from London, Manchester, or Edinburgh to Doha, then connect directly to Kigali. This makes the journey smoother and faster, especially for business travelers, tourists, and members of the Rwandan diaspora living in the UK.

Key Benefits:
– More flight options: Travelers have more choices for dates and times.
– Shorter travel times: Direct connections through Doha mean less waiting and fewer layovers.
– Better service: Qatar Airways is known for its high-quality in-flight experience, including free high-speed Wi-Fi on select African routes.

The Bigger Picture: Qatar Airways’ African Expansion

Qatar Airways is not just focusing on Kigali. The airline now serves 30 cities in Africa, offering over 170 weekly flights and more than 44,000 seats per week. This makes it one of the largest international carriers on the continent.

Why is this important?
– Trade and business: More flights mean easier movement of goods and people, helping businesses grow.
– Tourism: Tourists can reach Rwanda and other African countries more easily, boosting local economies.
– Investment: Strong air links attract investors and support big projects, like the new Bugesera International Airport.

Rwanda’s Vision: Becoming a Regional Aviation Hub

Rwanda has big plans for its aviation sector. The government wants Kigali to become a major hub for East and Central Africa. The partnership with Qatar Airways is a key part of this strategy.

Bugesera International Airport:
– Qatar Airways owns 60% of this new airport, which is expected to open by 2028.
– The airport will have modern facilities and the capacity to handle millions of passengers each year.
– This project is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and make Kigali a top choice for travelers and airlines.

Charles Habonimana, Director General of Rwanda Airports Company, said, “We are proud to welcome Qatar Airways back to Kigali. Rwanda is their second home, and this renewed partnership aligns with our broader strategy to make Kigali a major aviation hub for the region.”

What Does This Mean for RwandAir?

RwandAir, Rwanda’s national carrier, already operates six non-stop flights per week between Kigali and Doha. With Qatar Airways back on the route, there is more competition, but also more opportunities for cooperation.

Possible Outcomes:
– More choices for passengers: Travelers can pick the airline, schedule, and price that suits them best.
– Codeshare benefits: The partnership allows passengers to book connecting flights on both airlines with one ticket.
– Shared resources: The airlines can work together on cargo, maintenance, and other services, making operations more efficient.

Booking and Travel: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to travel between the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and Rwanda 🇷🇼 using Qatar Airways, here’s what you need to know:

1. Booking Your Flight
– Visit the Qatar Airways website or use their mobile app.
– Choose your departure city (e.g., London, Manchester, Edinburgh) and destination (Kigali).
– Select your travel dates and preferred class (Business or Economy).
– Review fare rules and conditions before confirming your booking.
– You can use Avios points for up to 50% of your ticket price.

2. Travel Requirements
– Make sure you have a valid passport.
– Check if you need a visa for Rwanda or Qatar. The Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration provides up-to-date visa information.
– Review any health requirements, such as vaccinations or COVID-19 testing.

3. Check-in and Boarding
– Online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight.
– Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights.
– Have your travel documents ready for check-in and security.

4. In-flight Experience
– The Airbus A320 offers comfortable seating, with flatbed seats in Business Class and spacious Economy seats.
– Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available on select African routes.
– Enjoy meals, entertainment, and attentive service throughout your journey.

Stakeholder Perspectives: What Are People Saying?

Qatar Airways:
Yasser Mohamed Ali, Regional Manager for East Africa, said, “We are excited to reconnect with Kigali. Our goal is to collaborate closely with key partners, including RwandAir, to offer travelers more flexibility and convenience. Rwanda is a strategic partner for us, especially as we look ahead to the opening of the new Bugesera International Airport.”

Rwanda Airports Company:
Charles Habonimana, Director General, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “Rwanda is their second home, and this renewed partnership aligns with our broader strategy to make Kigali a major aviation hub for the region.”

Aviation Tourism Logistics (ATL):
Jules Ndenga, CEO, highlighted the vision of both countries’ leaders: “This relaunch reflects the vision of our leaders, H.E. President Paul Kagame and the Emir of Qatar. Together, we are building a new airport and deepening partnerships, including with Rwanda’s national carrier.”

Aviation Industry Experts:
Industry analysts see Qatar Airways’ investments in Africa, especially its stake in Bugesera International Airport and partnership with RwandAir, as key drivers for the continent’s aviation growth. The return to Kigali is viewed as a sign of long-term commitment to Africa’s growing air travel market.

Travelers and Businesses:
Passengers benefit from more flight options, better connections to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and improved in-flight services. Businesses enjoy easier access to global markets and partners, which can help them grow and compete internationally.

Historical Background: How Did We Get Here?

Initial Launch:
Qatar Airways first started flying to Kigali in 2012, initially with a stopover, then later as a direct service.

Suspension:
The route was suspended in December 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and regional airspace disruptions.

Strategic Investments:
In December 2019, Qatar Airways bought a 60% stake in the Bugesera International Airport project, showing its belief in Rwanda’s future as an aviation hub.

Codeshare Agreement:
In 2021, Qatar Airways and RwandAir signed a codeshare agreement covering 65 routes, making it easier for passengers to connect across Africa and beyond.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Rwanda and Qatar Airways?

Bugesera International Airport:
The new airport, set to open by 2028, will have modern facilities and the capacity to handle millions of passengers. Qatar Airways’ majority ownership means it will play a big role in shaping the airport’s future.

Expanded Services:
Qatar Airways is expected to keep growing its African network, possibly adding more flights and new destinations as demand increases.

Enhanced Passenger Experience:
The airline is rolling out free high-speed Wi-Fi on select African routes and may introduce more service improvements in the future.

Practical Implications for Immigration and Travel

For people moving between the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and Rwanda 🇷🇼—whether for work, study, family, or tourism—these changes make travel easier and more accessible. Improved air links mean:
– Faster family reunions: Families separated by distance can visit each other more often.
– Easier business trips: Entrepreneurs and professionals can reach new markets quickly.
– Better access for students: Students can travel for studies or exchange programs with less hassle.
– Support for the Rwandan diaspora: The large Rwandan community in the UK can stay connected to home.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these developments are expected to boost not only travel but also trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Rwanda 🇷🇼, and the wider African continent.

Official Contacts and Resources

• Qatar Airways: qatarairways.com
• Rwanda Airports Company: rac.co.rw
• RwandAir: rwandair.com
• Rwanda Immigration: Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration

Summary Table: Key Details

Takeaways and Next Steps

• Travelers: Check flight schedules, book early, and review visa requirements before your trip.
• Businesses: Explore new trade and investment opportunities made possible by better air links.
• Students and families: Take advantage of improved connectivity for study, work, and family visits.
• Aviation professionals: Watch for job and partnership opportunities as Kigali grows as a hub.

For the latest updates on flights, immigration requirements, and travel policies, always refer to official sources like the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

The return of Qatar Airways to Kigali, using the Airbus A320, is more than just a new flight—it’s a sign of growing ties, new opportunities, and a brighter future for travel and business between the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Rwanda 🇷🇼, and beyond.

Learn Today

Airbus A320 → A popular narrow-body aircraft seating 12 in Business and 120 in Economy, used on Doha-Kigali flights.
Codeshare → An airline arrangement allowing two airlines to share the same flight, simplifying bookings and connections.
Bugesera International Airport → A new airport near Kigali, 60% owned by Qatar Airways, set to open by 2028.
Avios points → Frequent flyer currency used by Qatar Airways passengers to pay for up to 50% of ticket costs.
RwandAir → Rwanda’s national airline partnered with Qatar Airways, sharing 65 flight routes across Africa.

This Article in a Nutshell

Qatar Airways restarted direct flights between Doha and Kigali after three years, aiming to strengthen UK–Rwanda travel and expand African aviation. Using the Airbus A320, the airline offers four weekly flights and supports Rwanda’s goal of becoming a regional aviation hub with investment in Bugesera Airport.
— By VisaVerge.com