Qatar Airways Expands in Australia with Enhanced Doha-Melbourne Flights and Canberra Reconnection
Qatar Airways has unveiled a major enhancement to its Australian operations, reaffirming its commitment to the region by boosting connectivity through expanded services to Melbourne and the reinstatement of its flights to the nation’s capital, Canberra. This strategic expansion not only improves international access for Australian travelers but also deepens ties between Australia and the Middle East through Doha’s award-winning Hamad International Airport.
Following official approvals from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Qatar Airways has re-established its daily services to Canberra, routed via Melbourne, while also increasing its Melbourne-Doha flights to three times daily. These changes deliver a powerful uplift for Australia’s tourism, aviation, and export sectors, providing more choice, improved schedules, and global reach for both leisure and business travelers.
Melbourne: A Key Gateway to the Middle East
The expansion of Doha-Melbourne flights to three daily services marks a significant milestone in Qatar Airways’ growing footprint in Australia. These flights are operated with state-of-the-art aircraft featuring the award-winning QSuite business class, delivering a premium experience across all service levels.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus welcomed the news, stating that “Qatar Airways’ increased presence supports both Victoria’s tourism and trade. More flights mean more opportunities for exporters, tourists, and international students.”
Qatar Airways’ new flight frequencies are strategically timed to offer seamless connections through Doha to Europe, Africa, and Asia. With Qatar Airways’ status as a Skytrax-rated 5-star airline and Hamad International Airport consistently ranked among the best globally, passengers benefit from shorter layovers, world-class lounges, and exceptional in-flight service.
Canberra Reconnects to the World
In a much-anticipated move, Qatar Airways has resumed daily international flights to Canberra, Australia’s capital city, via Melbourne. This marks the return of long-haul international services to Canberra Airport, which had previously been suspended during the pandemic.
The flights will use the Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with QSuites, offering Canberra-based travelers a luxury travel option that directly connects them to Doha and, from there, to over 160 destinations globally.
Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron described the resumption of flights as a “massive boost” for the capital: “International air connectivity is vital for tourism, diplomacy, and trade. We’re delighted to welcome Qatar Airways back, offering the region world-class service once again.”
Government Approval and Strategic Alliance
At the heart of this expansion is a strengthened alliance between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, made possible by official clearance from the ACCC. The partnership enables enhanced codesharing, loyalty program integration, and cooperative scheduling, giving travelers wider domestic and international options under a unified booking experience.
The ACCC highlighted that the agreement would deliver “clear public benefits” including:
- Increased airline competition
- Lower airfares across popular routes
- Improved connectivity to Europe and Asia
- Expanded access to loyalty rewards through Avios and Velocity programs
As part of the alliance, Virgin Australia will act as Qatar Airways’ exclusive interline, codeshare, and loyalty partner in Australia, while Qatar Airways will take on that role for Virgin in the Middle East and Turkey.
Loyalty Benefits: Velocity Meets Avios
One of the most exciting changes for frequent flyers is the reciprocal loyalty program integration between Qatar Airways’ Avios and Virgin Australia’s Velocity. Travelers can now earn and redeem points across both airlines, offering increased flexibility and value.
This change is particularly beneficial for business travelers and long-haul tourists, who can now build their rewards faster and enjoy elite status perks, upgrades, and additional baggage allowances across both networks.
Economic Impact and Global Reach
Qatar Airways’ increased operations come at a critical time for Australia’s aviation and tourism industries. The added flights support:
- Export growth by enabling more freight capacity out of Melbourne and Canberra
- Tourism recovery by making Australia more accessible to travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia
- Job creation in aviation, airport services, and hospitality sectors
According to data from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, air freight plays a crucial role in supporting industries like agriculture and high-value manufacturing. These flights are expected to significantly benefit exporters, especially from Victoria and the ACT.
Looking Ahead: A Global Winter Network Boost
The changes in Australia are part of Qatar Airways’ global winter schedule uplift, which includes added frequencies and new destinations across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Hamad International Airport continues to serve as a major global transit hub with efficient passenger movement, luxury retail, and superior terminal facilities.
With over 160 global destinations, Qatar Airways remains one of the few airlines connecting all continents, and its ongoing investment in Australia signals a long-term vision for regional growth.
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