• Benin and Qatar discuss plans for a direct air route to boost trade and tourism
• Potential partnership with Qatar Airways may lead to new carrier, Amazone Airlines
• Benin aims to become a regional tourism hub with over two million visitors annually

Benin is in talks with Qatar over the establishment of a direct air link between the two countries, a move that could stimulate investment, tourism, and air freight activity. The announcement was made by President Patrice Talon during the 2025 Qatar Economic Forum held in Doha.

“I had discussions this morning at the Doha princely palace (Amiri Diwan) with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on subjects of interest, particularly the establishment of a direct air link between our two countries,” Talon stated on social media.

The proposed air link forms part of a broader effort by Benin to attract more foreign visitors and enhance regional connectivity. The government’s ambition is to position the country as a key tourism destination in West Africa, targeting more than two million foreign tourists per year.

Media reports suggest that the initiative may also include a collaboration with Qatar Airways to launch a new national airline, tentatively named Amazone Airlines. While no formal agreement has been confirmed, this development would mark a renewed attempt by Benin to establish a viable national carrier.

In 2019, the government had announced plans to restructure Benin Airlines, formerly known as Air Taxi Benin, by offering a 30% stake to investors and acquiring mid-range aircraft. That project, however, has since been discontinued.