LONDON – On March 4 Qatar Airways announced that it would be launching two new routes with fourth times weekly services to Kano which started on March 2 and three times weekly services to Porth Harcourt in Nigeria which started operations on March 3, both routes the airline said would be operated via the Nigerian Captial Abuja. The routes were inaugurated by the airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features 22 business and 232 economy class seats.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “This is a defining moment for Qatar Airways, with Nigeria becoming our most connected market in Africa with the launch of our new services to Kano and Port Harcourt.”
“We see tremendous opportunity in the region and these new routes are an important catalyst to further boost trade and commerce in the country. Our presence in Nigeria now covers four key markets and is a real affirmation of our support to the country.”
“Qatar Airways has stayed steadfast in its commitment to Africa throughout the pandemic, operating continuously and reliably to Nigeria. We have since increased frequencies and grown our network, considerably, improving connectivity to and from the continent and providing travellers with more choice and convenience.”
Africa is one of the largest and fastest expanding aviation markets in the world, valued at an estimated $400 million over the next 20 years, it has become a focal point for major carriers and for new and current African based airlines expanding and increasing services all over the continent as the demand for greater access and travel continues to rise.
Minister of Aviation, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hon. Sen. Hadi Sirika, said: “The new flights provide important travel and trade links between Nigeria and the world. As the largest economy in Africa, this enhanced global connectivity via the new,”
“Qatar Airways service will provide a vital network to move goods and people, as we recover from challenges of the pandemic and prioritise growth. Kano and Port Harcourt are both important to this recovery. This new service also reinforces the close ties between Nigeria and Qatar, and it paves the way to explore new, untapped opportunities.”
Flights to Kano are scheduled to operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, Departing Doha under flight number QR1431 at 02:50 local time, arriving in Kano at 11:10 local time, the return flight then leaves at 16:50 arriving back in Doha at 04:10 the following day.
With the flights to Port Harcourt, they will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, departing as flight number QR1433 leaving again at 02:50 and arriving at 11:20 local, with the return flights departing at 16:40 and arriving back in Doha at 04:10 the following day.
