Qatar Airways Expands Routes to South Africa: New Destinations & Flights

Qatar Airways has expanded its presence in South Africa with a new non-stop service between Doha (DOH) and Durban (DUR). The airline is operating the route four times weekly using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, configured to carry 254 passengers across two classes.

This addition complements Qatar Airways’ existing South African network, which currently includes daily flights to Cape Town (CPT) and twice-daily flights to Johannesburg (JNB). With the new Durban link, passengers now have up to 21 weekly connections between Doha and destinations in South Africa.

Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, noted that Qatar is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners in the Middle East and that the new direct service to Durban further strengthens commercial and cultural ties between the regions. The route offers travelers an efficient, non-stop option for both business and leisure travel, increasing connectivity for the KwaZulu-Natal region.

The Dreamliner used on the route provides a modern travel experience, featuring improved cabin pressure, larger windows and enhanced fuel efficiency, attributes that contribute to passenger comfort on long-haul flights. Operating multiple frequencies across South Africa allows the carrier to offer flexible scheduling and better connections through its Doha hub.

Passengers flying from Durban can connect in Doha to Qatar Airways’ global network, accessing destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. The new service is aimed at meeting growing demand for direct travel between Durban and the Middle East, while supporting tourism and trade links.

Travelers are encouraged to check flight schedules and booking options directly with Qatar Airways or through their preferred travel provider. The carrier’s expanded South African network increases options for seamless travel, whether for transcontinental connections or regional trips within Africa.