Qatar Airways saw its busiest festive season ever in South Africa as it marks 20 years of operations to the country.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF FLYING TO SOUTH AFRICA
Qatar Airways first flew to South Africa on 16 January 2005, when it launched services to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Now 20 years later, the carrier operates scheduled flights from its Doha hub to three destinations in South Africa.
The Middle East’s only five-star airline services Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban with up to 33 weekly flights.
EXCEPTIONAL LOAD FACTORS
Qatar Airways carried 84,000 passengers to and from Africa between 22 December 2024 and 6 January 2025.
This represents an almost 100% increase compared to the same period in 2019-2020 (before the COVID-19 pandemic).
Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Thierry Antinori, said, “This landmark achievement demonstrates Qatar Airways’ commitment to increasing connectivity across Africa, as well as the rising demand for our award-winning travel experience.”
The carrier has also seen exceptional growth in passenger demand to South Africa, with flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg moving from 60-75% capacity in 2019, to 90% in the last 12 months.
QATAR AIRWAYS ENDURING RELATIONSHIP WITH SOUTH AFRICA
Whether investing in South African businesses such as Airlink or talent, as demonstrated through the recruitment of young chefs from the prestigious Capsicum Culinary Studio, or adding traditional South African flavours such as biltong beef soup, lamb potjie, or bunny chow into its onboard menu, the airline continues to champion South Africa throughout its service.
“For two decades now, we have endeavoured to build a strong, lasting relationship with South Africa including by being a reliable partner to the country during the pandemic, and we are keen to help further foster the country’s bright economic future and remain dedicated to contributing to its exciting growth ahead, including through our partnership and investment with Airlink.” Antinori said.
QATAR AIRWAYS OFFERS DISCOUNTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA
To celebrate this milestone, travellers from South Africa are offered the opportunity to enjoy the airline’s flights, with special discounts.
Between 15 and 22 January 2025, the airline will offer up to 20% discount on flights from South Africa. This is to mark the airline’s 20 years of unparalleled service to South Africa.
South Africans are thus able to fly to more than 170 destinations through the award-winning, Hamad International Airport.
