Airlink and Qatar Airways are expanding their codeshare agreement to add Doha, marking Airlink’s first long-haul destination under its own flight code.
The new connections start on 31 August 2026, linking Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban to Doha under Airlink’s 4Z code, even though Qatar Airways operates the actual aircraft.
The new Doha routes and schedules
Three South African gateways get Doha connections through the expanded codeshare, each with different frequencies.
- Johannesburg-Doha: At least twice-daily service, with a third flight added on four days of the week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays) — the most frequent option of the three gateways
- Cape Town-Doha: Daily service, with a second daily flight on some days of the week
- Durban-Doha: Daily service routed via Maputo, since there is currently no nonstop flight between the two cities
All three routes fly on Qatar Airways widebody aircraft. Qatar Airways’ own partnership page confirms connections route through Hamad International Airport in Doha, its main hub for onward journeys.
You can check live status on any of these routes using the Wego flight tracker once the schedule launches.
Cheapest return fare to Doha by South African gateway
Source: Wego, cheapest return economy fares sampled 14 August 2026 for travel 15–22 September 2026. Fares change constantly and don’t necessarily reflect the Airlink/Qatar Airways codeshare fare specifically — check Wego for live pricing before booking.
Booking, check-in, and loyalty points across both airlines
Because this is a codeshare, you book one ticket even though two airline codes and (in effect) two operating carriers are involved.
- Single reservation: Book the Doha-South Africa segment under an Airlink 4Z flight number alongside connecting Airlink flights elsewhere in the region
- Through check-in: Bags and boarding passes are handled end to end, so you do not re-check in at each stop
- Loyalty points: Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can already earn and redeem Avios on eligible Airlink flights. Airlink Skybucks members can earn Skybucks on both airlines’ flights under the partnership launched in early 2025, but can currently only redeem Skybucks on Airlink flights — redemption on Qatar Airways flights is expected to follow
If you already hold a ticket booked before 31 August 2026 on either airline for these routes, check directly with Airlink or Qatar Airways on whether it can be reissued under the new codeshare terms.
Why this matters: a bigger Gulf-Southern Africa travel corridor
Qatar Airways and Airlink first signed a codeshare in June 2022, initially placing the QR code on Airlink’s domestic and regional South African flights. Qatar Airways then acquired a 25% stake in Airlink in August 2024, deepening the relationship ahead of this long-haul expansion.
For travellers in the Gulf and Asia, this makes it easier to book onward journeys into South Africa and beyond on a single itinerary. Airlink’s own network now reaches more than 47 destinations across 15 African countries and St Helena Island, including cities such as Windhoek and Harare, all now reachable on a through-ticket via Doha.
If you are planning a safari or city trip once you land, compare Johannesburg hotels or Cape Town hotels on Wego alongside your flight search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Airlink now operate flights to Doha itself?
No. Qatar Airways operates the aircraft on every Doha route. Airlink’s 4Z flight code appears on the ticket and itinerary through the codeshare, but Qatar Airways remains the operating carrier.
When do the new Doha connections start?
Airlink announced the expanded codeshare on 13 August 2026. The new Doha connections take effect from 31 August 2026.
Is there a nonstop flight between Durban and Doha?
No. The Durban-Doha connection operates daily via Maputo. There is currently no nonstop service between the two cities.
Can I earn Qatar Airways Avios on an Airlink flight?
Yes, if you are a Qatar Airways Privilege Club member — you can already earn and redeem Avios on eligible Airlink flights. Airlink Skybucks members can also earn Skybucks on Qatar Airways flights, but redemption of Skybucks on Qatar Airways flights is not yet available.
Sources
- Engineering News — Airlink Goes Long-Haul Through Expanded Codeshare Agreement With Qatar Airways
- ATTA — Airlink Expands Qatar Airways Codeshare to Add Doha as First Long-Haul Destination
- CAPA (Centre for Aviation) — Airlink and Qatar Airways Expand Codeshare Partnership to Doha
- Qatar Airways — Our Partnership With Airlink
- Qatar Airways Newsroom — Qatar Airways and Airlink Sign Comprehensive Codeshare Agreement (2022)
- Qatar Airways Newsroom — Qatar Airways Acquires 25 Per Cent Stake in Airlink (2024)
- FlyAirlink — Airlink Network (current destination count)
- Travelnews.co.za — 4Z and QR Link Loyalty Programmes
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
