November 2, 2017: Qatar Airways has celebrated its five-year anniversary of operating direct flights from Doha to Maputo, Mozambique. The airline celebrated this milestone by giving away gifts to arriving and departing passengers at Maputo International Airport. Qatar Airways’ service to the capital city of Maputo, launched in 2012, offered passengers a new gateway to this coastal paradise.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said, “In the past five years, Maputo has demonstrated just how attractive it is as a tourist destination. An excellent example of an underserved destination, this hidden African gem has offered many tourists a truly memorable and authentic experience. We are delighted to be celebrating five years of service on this route, and we look forward to many more celebrations on the African continent.”

Qatar Airways operates three flights a week to Maputo with an Airbus A330 aircraft, featuring 24 seats in Business Class and 236 seats in Economy Class. Passengers are able to enjoy the airline’s superior entertainment system, Oryx One, which offers up to 4,000 entertainment options. Business Class passengers can also enjoy flatbed seats as well as a dine-on-demand option, offering a world-class standard of comfort on board.

Africa is also a key market for Qatar Airways Cargo, and the introduction of passenger flights to Maputo five years ago has greatly benefitted local trade in Mozambique. Imports into Maputo consist mainly of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies, electric equipment and machinery and household goods. The cargo carrier provides over 30 tonnes of belly space on the A330 flights every week to the Mozambique's capital and largest city.

Earlier this month, the airline also celebrated its one-year anniversary of operating direct service to Windhoek, Namibia, and it prepares to celebrate its first year of operations to the Seychelles towards the end of the year.

Qatar Airways operates to 20 destinations in Africa, including Addis Ababa, Algiers, Cape Town, Casablanca, Durban, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Lagos, Marrakech, Nairobi and Zanzibar, among others.