DALLAS — Qatar Airways (QR) has expanded its African network, launching a new route to Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The inaugural flight touched down at N'djili International Airport (FIH) on Saturday, June 1, 2024, marking the airline's 29th destination in Africa.

This new direct service will significantly enhance Kinshasa's global connections. Passengers traveling to and from the DRC can now fly to Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific region through the QR’s hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.

"At Qatar Airways, we recognise the immense potential in Africa. We are dedicated to enhancing connectivity throughout the continent, enabling seamless access to business and leisure opportunities. We look forward to offering our passengers traveling to and from the DRC convenient travel options through our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport," said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.

Qatar Airways African Network Expansion

The four weekly flights to Kinshasa (FIH) also come with an increased service to Luanda (LAD) in Angola. With three additional flights, LAD will now receive a total of four weekly QR flights. This expansion complements the airline's existing network of over 170 weekly flights across Africa.

Since December 2020, the Gulf carrier has significantly expanded its African network, adding nine new destinations: Abidjan (ABJ), Abuja (ABV), Accra (ACC), Harare (HRE), Kano (KAN), Luanda (LAD), Lusaka (LUN), Port Harcourt (PHC), and Kinshasa (FIH). Additionally, flights to Cairo (CAI) and Alexandria (HBE) have been resumed.

Flight Schedule

In most African markets, including LDA and now FIH, QR has strategically optimized flight schedules to provide convenient connections to China, along with key markets like Belgium (BRU), France (CDG), Portugal (LIS), and the Middle East.

Flight Schedule to Kinshasa (all times local):

• Monday & Saturday

◦ Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH) - Flight No. QR1491: Departs DOH 02:45, Arrives FIH 08:10

◦ Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH) - Flight No. QR1491 via Luanda (LAD): Departs FIH 09:40, Arrives DOH 22:50 (next day)

• Thursday & Friday

◦ Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH) - Flight No. QR1489 via Luanda (LAD): Departs DOH 09:20, Arrives FIH 18:25

◦ Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH) - Flight No. QR1489: Departs FIH 19:55, Arrives DOH 05:45+1 (next day)

Qatar Airways currently operates scheduled flights to nearly 170 destinations worldwide through its hub in Doha.