Qatar Airways will reportedly commence flights between Doha and Lusaka during the first Quarter of 2017, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has confirmed.

ZACL managing director, Robinson Misitala said the commencement of the Qatar Airways flights would help realize the strategic objective of turning Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) into a regional hub, as Lusaka presents characteristics of a natural hub due to its centrality.

Misitala said the development was a step in the right direction as it comes in the wake of massive infrastructure development currently being undertaken by the Government at Kenneth Kaunda, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula and Mfuwe International Airports.

He said in order to sustain these developments, there was need to stimulate demand through introduction of new airline routes and operators.

Misitala further indicated that commencement of Qatar Airways flights would create an alternative option for connection through the Middle East which would ease network connectivity beyond Doha and open new opportunities in tourism and export potential.

“This also provides the Zambian traveler with a wider choice of travel options and indeed increased capacity to support both passenger travel and cargo movement.”

Qatar Airways will start by operating three weekly flights using a 254 seater Boeing 787 Dreamliner direct between Doha and Lusaka.