Qatar Airways’ first non-stop flight from Doha to Mombasa, Kenya landed today at Moi International Airport, marking the airline’s second gateway in Kenya.

Qatar Airways flight QR1333, operated by an Airbus A320, departed Hamad International Airport (HIA) on Sunday 9 December at 02:30 and arrived at Moi International Airport at 08:40, where it was welcomed with a celebratory water cannon salute.

On board the inaugural Qatar Airways flight to Mombasa, Qatar Airways Chief Flight Operations Officer, Captain Jassim Al-Haroon, was joined by the Kenyan Charge D’Affaires a.i. to the State of Qatar, Mr. Washington Oloo.

The VIP delegation was greeted upon arrival by the County Government of Mombasa Deputy Governor, H.E. Dr. William Kingi, County Government of Mombasa, Executive for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Hon. Fawz Ali, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Director Aviation Safety Security and Regulation, Capt. Tom Ogenche, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director, Middle East Directorate, Amb. Jackline Yonga, Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Betty Radier, Kenya Tourism Federation Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Hersi, Moi International Airport General Manager Marketing and Business Development, Mr. Jimmy Kibati and Moi International Airport Manager, Mr. Peter Wafula.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Today’s inaugural flight to the beautiful coastal city of Mombasa marks further growth and strengthening bonds between the State of Qatar and Kenya. We are thrilled to be the first Middle East airline to offer direct flights to Mombasa, our second gateway into Kenya"

"The people of Mombasa will now be able to access Qatar Airways’ extensive global network of more than 160 destinations around the world, while enjoying its award-winning service.” he added.

Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director, Mr. Johnny Anderson, said: “The aviation sector in Kenya is shining bright. Today’s inaugural flight gives our customers more travel choices. The Qatar Airways destination network will be a major boost to the coastal economy especially in the area of tourism. This is a major milestone. Welcome to Mombasa.”

Qatar Airways will operate its service to Mombasa with an Airbus A320 aircraft, which features 12 Business Class seats and 120 seats in Economy Class. Passengers will be able to enjoy the airline’s superior entertainment system offering a wide variety of entertainment options.

The award-winning airline currently operates three daily flights between Doha and Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. With the addition of four weekly flights to Mombasa, Qatar Airways will be operating a total of 25 weekly flights between Doha and Kenya.

In the following weeks, the award-winning airline will also launch direct flights to Gothenburg, Sweden and Da Nang, Vietnam. Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to Gothenburg will touch down on 12 December and will operate five-times a week, while flights to Da Nang will launch on 19 December and will operate four-times weekly.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest-growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world, with a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.

The airline was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.