A new era of international travel is set to take off, with Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways partnering to deliver more value and choice for Australians. This collaboration provides opportunities to travel to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
New Direct Services
Aussies can now book Virgin Australia’s new services to jet directly from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha for travel from June 2025. Melbourne will join the network later that year. These flights will be operated by Virgin Australia using Qatar Airways’ spacious Boeing 777s, renowned for their luxurious Qsuite Business Class. Qatar Airways, voted the best airline in the world eight times, sets the benchmark for the world’s best travel experience.
Imagine sipping espresso in Rome or strolling down the Champs Élysées in Paris – with this partnership, Aussies now have unrivalled ease, value, and choice to explore the world.
Key Benefits and Launch Sale Offers
Economy flights: Launch fares are on sale from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth via Doha to multiple European destinations, with fares starting as low as:
- Perth to Paris Economy Choice return from $1,791
- Sydney to London Economy Choice return from $1,982
- Brisbane to Rome Economy Choice return from $1,945
Points galore: Rack up to 20,000 bonus Points on Business return flights and 10,000 bonus Points on Economy return flights (when you book on an eligible Virgin Australia international long haul flight by 20 January 2025 for travel between 12 June – 30 September 2025).
Maximise your miles: Earn up to a whopping 63,708 Velocity Points on your next European adventure.
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 enhancing its domestic strategic position. This collaboration will deliver increased competition, improved connectivity, and enhanced customer choice.
Travellers aren’t the only winners; the new Virgin Australia flights will 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 opportunities along the way.
A Game-Changer for Australian Aviation
Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka highlighted the significance of this new airline partnership: “This is a huge win for Australian travellers, bringing more value and choice for passengers wanting to fly internationally. 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.”
Hrdlicka also emphasised the benefits for small businesses, particularly the agricultural sector, with increased opportunities to export goods to the Middle East. The partnership is expected to create more jobs and promotional opportunities for the Virgin Australia team as domestic flying increases to accommodate passengers connecting from an expanded international network.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer expressed pride in supporting Virgin Australia’s ambition to return to long-haul international flying, enhancing cargo capacity and providing access to competitive fares and a stronger international airline network for Australian SMEs and corporate travellers.
Boosting Queensland’s Economy
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 stated, “This is a great way to get more people into Queensland to see all our State has to offer. In addition to growing tourism jobs, those planes go back to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa with cargo holds filled with Queensland exports.”
Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff, added, “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 for connecting Brisbane to the world.”
Conclusion
The partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways marks a significant milestone in Australian aviation, offering travellers more value, choice, and seamless connections to over 100 global destinations. With new direct services and exciting launch offers, now is the perfect time to plan your next adventure.
