Virgin Australia marks a major milestone in its history today, as the airline returns to long-haul international flying with the launch of its inaugural Sydney–Doha service. The new service connects Australian travellers to more than 170 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa via Qatar Airways’ global network.
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Virgin AustraliaVirgin Australia marks a major milestone in its history today, as the airline returns to long-haul international flying with the launch of its inaugural Sydney–Doha service. The new service connects Australian travellers to more than 170 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa via Qatar Airways’ global network.
This launch represents a significant evolution of Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways’ partnership. With Brisbane flights commencing 19 June, Perth on 26 June and Melbourne services to follow in December 2025, there is no better time to book that European holiday.
The Virgin Australia–Qatar Airways alliance brings together two aviation brands to deliver more choice to Australian consumers, with connectivity to six continents. The new Australia – Doha services will offer elevated service offerings, exceptional inflight amenities and loyalty benefits.
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By December 2025, the alliance will grow the capacity of flights from Australia to Doha to 2.65 million seats a year, increasing competitiveness in the market and providing ample choice for Aussie travellers wanting to visit Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Passengers onboard the new Doha flights will travel on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring:
- Qsuite Business Class – named World’s Best Business Class in Skytrax’s World Airline Awards 2024, offering private suites, lie-flat beds, and the option for couples to create a double bed in the sky4.
- Spacious Economy Cabins with one of the widest seats in the industry and renowned inflight service.
- Complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi available onboard for all passengers through the entire journey.
The new services are expected to generate more than $3 billion in economic activity within Australia over the next five years, fuelled by an anticipated surge in international visitors and increased tourism spending. The launch is also expected to create hundreds of new jobs in aviation, hospitality and tourism-related sectors across the country. For Virgin Australia employees, this also creates secondment opportunities for Pilots and Cabin Crew to broaden their skills and gain international flying experience within Qatar Airways’ world-class global network.
Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dave Emerson, said the inaugural Australia-Doha flights represent a pivotal moment for the airline and for Australian travellers.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Virgin Australia and for international travel from Australia. Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we’re not just launching a new route — we’re opening the world to millions of Australians, delivering more choice, better value and a seamless global experience. This partnership strengthens Australia’s global connectivity while generating jobs, boosting tourism and injecting billions into the national economy.”
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said:
“We are delighted to welcome Virgin Australia’s inaugural Sydney to Doha service to our award-winning Hamad International Airport as the first of four exciting new routes scheduled for 2025. This milestone moment in the partnership between our two airlines is the culmination of many months of meticulous planning and tireless dedication of our respective teams, as well as a testament to our shared ambition to deliver increased competition, world-class service and value to Australian passengers.”
Loyalty Benefits for Velocity Frequent Flyer Members
Velocity Frequent Flyer’s more than 13 million members will be eligible for benefits when travelling on the new services. Some of these benefits include:
- 50% bonus Status Credits on bookings made between 12 June and 30 June 2025 for travel between 1 October 2025 and 27 May 2026 on an eligible Virgin Australia flight between Australia and Doha (VA1-29)1.
- Status Credits earned on the new services (VA1-29) will contribute to the new requirement from October 2025 onwards, to earn at least 50% of Status Credits on Virgin Australia flights to upgrade or maintain Status5.
- Points benefits for Silver, Gold and Platinum members including 50% bonus Points for Silver members, 75% bonus Points for Gold members and 100% for Platinum members on eligible flights6.
- From 1 October 2025, Velocity will be increasing the number of Status Credits that members will earn on the new Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha (VA1-29) and Qatar Airways marketed and/or operated flights between Australia and Doha. This ensures that from 1 October 2025, the same Status Credit earn rate applies on all Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways marketed and/or operated services on eligible routes5.
These enhancements complement previously announced benefits including Business Class upgrades using Points (available from 1 July 2025, when travelling on Economy Flex fares), US$20 vouchers for selected food outlets at Hamad International Airport7, and premium lounge access in Australia, Doha and European ports8, and complimentary Advance Seat Selection9 and additional baggage allowance for Gold and Platinum members10.
Celebration Fares On Sale Now
To commemorate the launch, Virgin Australia has unveiled limited-time celebration fares to Doha and selected beyond destinations in Europe, with eligible fares discounted by up to 15% for selected travel dates between 16 October 2025 and 31 March 2026. Fares on sale from 12:01am AEST 10 June 2025 to 11:59pm AEST 30 June 2025, unless sold out prior3.
Source: Virgin Australia
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