Virgin Australia will usher in a new era of international travel today as bookings for new and direct services to Doha out of Sydney, Brisbane and Perth come online.

The flights are the first steps of a new partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways that will enable travel to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Flights are for travel starting June next year, with Melbourne set to follow later in 2025.

These flights will be operated by Virgin Australia using Qatar Airways’ spacious Boeing 777s, renowned for their Qsuite 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.

Virgin strong after new Qatar deal

The Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways partnership 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.

Travellers 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.

“This is a huge win for Australian travellers which brings more value and choice for passengers wanting to fly internationally,” Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka.

“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.

“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.

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 program,” he said.

The best of the deal 

The Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways pending final regulatory approval.