The partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways marks a new chapter in international travel, offering Australians greater value and expanded options. This collaboration provides access to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, making it easier than ever for travelers to explore new global horizons.
Now Australians can book Virgin Australia’s new services to jet directly from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha for travel from June 2025, with Melbourne2 set to join the party later that year. These flights will be operated by Virgin Australia using Qatar Airways’ spacious Boeing 777s, renowned for their Qsuite3 Business Class. Qatar Airways has been voted the best airline in the world eight times including this year, setting the benchmark for the world’s best travel experience.
More than just flights
The Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways partnership, pending final regulatory approval, positions Virgin Australia to strongly compete in the international travel market while also improving its domestic strategic position, delivering increased competition, improved connectivity, and enhanced customer choice.
Travelers aren’t the only winners; the new Virgin Australia flights also boost Aussie tourism, jobs and businesses. More than $3 billion is expected to be injected into the economy over the next five years from increased visitors, creating jobs and more opportunity along the way.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said that, if approved, the investment will support a collective ambition between the two airlines 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, and that 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, driving benefits to consumers, the economy and Australian aviation.
“This is a huge win for Australian travelers which brings 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 around the world 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 who are 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 that will be delivered over the next five years from the increased inbound visitors, which means more jobs and more 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 aviation industry in Australia.”
Special launch fares and promotions are now live on the Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia websites. While final regulatory approvals are pending, early birds are fully protected with options for either refunds or re-accommodation on suitable alternative flights and reimbursement for reasonably foreseeable costs if the new services are not able to go ahead as planned.
