Virgin Australia Flights to Doha On Sale Now

Virgin Australia & Qatar Airways Join Forces

A new era of international travel is set to begin with the partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways. This collaboration aims to provide Australians with enhanced value and more travel choices, offering access to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Starting today, Australians can book Virgin Australia's new services, which will allow direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha commencing in June 2025. Melbourne is set to join these routes later that year. Virgin Australia will operate these flights using Qatar Airways' spacious Boeing 777s, which are known for their Qsuite Business Class. Qatar Airways has been recognized as the best airline in the world eight times, including this year, setting a standard for the world's best travel experience.

From sipping espresso in Rome to strolling down the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Australians with a passion for travel can now explore the world with unprecedented ease, value, and choice.

More than just flights

The partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, pending final regulatory approval, aims to strengthen Virgin Australia's position in the international travel market while enhancing its domestic strategy. This collaboration is set to increase competition, improve connectivity, and give customers more choices.

Moreover, this new initiative benefits travellers and Australian tourism, jobs, and businesses. Over the next five years, more than $3 billion will be injected into the economy through increased visitor numbers, leading to job creation and expanded opportunities.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. If approved, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said that the investment will support the two airlines' collective ambition to deliver the best service and value to Australian customers.

“We are proud to support Virgin Australia with their ambition to return to long-haul international flying, a crucial next step in their successful transformation programme,” he said.

Engr. Al-Meer said the new Virgin Australia services would also boost cargo capacity, increasing opportunities for exporters in the Australian market. Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporate travellers could also take advantage of access to competitive fares and a stronger international airline network.

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the new airline partnership is a game-changer, benefiting consumers, the economy, and Australian aviation.

“This is a huge win for Australian travellers, bringing more value and choice for passengers wanting to fly internationally. Through this partnership, Virgin Australia becomes stronger, improving our ability to compete domestically – which is great news for Virgin Australia, our people and consumers,” she said.

“For Virgin Australia, this gives us the ability to start long-haul flying, which we have not been able to do over the past four and a half years. Our 28 new weekly services to Doha will open up a world of opportunity for those wanting to travel overseas, with more passengers able to connect to over 100 destinations worldwide on Qatar’s network.

“Partnering with Qatar Airways means we’re delivering the gold standard in global travel - seamless connections and world-class service - and increasing market competition to provide better value and fares. Exploring the world has never been more accessible.

“Virgin Australia’s additional flying into Doha is also great news for small businesses looking for opportunities to get their goods into the Middle East, especially the agricultural sector. The services sector will benefit from the additional $3 billion in economic value delivered over the next five years from the increased inbound visitors, which means more jobs and opportunities for the travel and tourism industry.

“This also creates the potential for more jobs and promotional opportunities for our Virgin Australia team as we increase domestic flying to accommodate passengers connecting from an expanded international network.

“This partnership is a critical piece in Virgin Australia’s long-term strategy and a huge vote of confidence in Australian aviation, further strengthening Virgin Australia’s long-term competitiveness in the aviation industry in Australia.” 

Queensland’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund supports Virgin Australia’s Brisbane to Doha flights.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said: “This is a great way to get more people into Queensland to see all our State has to offer.

"We're thrilled to be part of Virgin Australia's return to long-haul flying. This is fantastic news for the Brisbane-headquartered airline and even better news for Queensland's tourism-driven economy. It's a big win for local jobs and connecting Brisbane to the world."