Qatar Airways is relaunching daily flights to Canberra, Australia’s capital city, to increase connectivity and increase competition, to the benefit Canberrans and Australians.
The daily flights from Canberra to Doha will be operated via Melbourne, the airline’s hub in Doha. Hamad International Airport has been voted as the World’s Best Airport for many years. It also offers travellers a world-class experience with seamless connections to over 170 destinations on the Qatar Airways global network.
The flights, commencing in December 2025, will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring the airline’s award-winning Q-suite Business Class cabin and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all passengers.
Qatar Airways ceased its operations in Canberra during the pandemic. This announcement is a significant milestone as the airline reconnects with the city, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and the surrounding areas.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We’re delighted to be able serve Canberra again. The nation’s capitol, the political center of Australia, is entitled to expect a range international airlines to serve it. I am happy that we can play a part in this. We know that our commitment to Australia and Canberra will increase the choice and healthy competition in the market for passengers, whether they are travelling for business or government services.
Stephen Byron of Canberra Airport highlighted the importance of resuming services and its importance for the area.
“The return to Canberra of Qatar Airways is a pivotal moment in Canberra’s history. This service provides over a half million residents with access a global network of more than 170 destination and invites the rest of the world rediscover Canberra’s unique culture, education, tourism, and educational offerings,” he said.
“We believe that a greater variety of carriers and destinations will not only make prices more competitive, but also open up countless opportunities for our community by connecting our city with the rest of the globe.”
“These opportunities aren’t just about enhancing the connectivity, they’re also about strengthening business relationships, driving economic growth, creating jobs, fostering tourism, and attracting international student to our vibrant city.”
Andrew Barr, the ACT Chief Minister said that today’s announcement by Qatar that it will resume international flights from Canberra (via Melbourne), is great news as we enter a major five-year period for tourism.
He said: It’s a timely booster for our local tourism industry, with aviation being the main driver of growth in this sector. And it’s good news for Canberrans looking to travel overseas.
The return of Qatar Airways will benefit the entire Canberra region. It provides tourism, trade and investment, as well as a range business opportunities. It will also be a significant contribution to the Government’s goal of growing tourism expenditures to AU$5 Billion by 2030.
The announcement comes on top of the launch of sales of Virgin Australia’s new services from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, operated on Qatar Airways aircraft.
Virgin Australia is well positioned to compete in the international market for travel, thanks to the partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, which is still awaiting final regulatory approval. Virgin Australia can expect increased competition, improved connectivity and a wider range of choices.
This announcement is a further example of the increased benefits that the partnership can bring. Qatar Airways Privilege Club loyalty members and Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent flyer loyalty members will maximise earning and redemption options on the Canberra service, and eligible passengers can also enjoy reciprocal benefits.
Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia continue to work together to obtain the remaining regulatory approvals needed for the proposed partnership.
