Canberra Tourism Sector to Soar with Qatar Airways' Reintroduction of Daily Flights via Melbourne

Qatar Airways is preparing to resume daily services to Canberra, Australia's capital, enhancing connectivity and fostering more competitive options for the benefit of residents and customers across Australia.

These daily services to Canberra will be routed through Melbourne to the airline's central hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, acclaimed as the World's Best Airport. This stopover offers passengers a premier experience and smooth transitions to over 170 destinations globally in the Qatar Airways network.

Scheduled to start in December 2025, the flights will be facilitated by Boeing 777 aircraft, equipped with the airline's celebrated Q-suite Business Class cabin* and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all onboard.

Following a suspension during the global pandemic, the reinstatement of the Canberra route marks a significant development for Qatar Airways as it re-establishes its presence in the city, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and neighboring areas.

The revelation coincides with Virgin Australia initiating ticket sales for new routes from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne** to over 100 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, utilizing Qatar Airways aircraft.

The prospective alliance between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, which is still awaiting final regulatory consent, aims to position Virgin Australia as a formidable competitor in the international travel market by offering better connectivity, competitive pricing, and broader choices for consumers.

This update underscores the mutual advantages of the partnership, such as enhanced earning and redemption opportunities for Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Virgin Australia's Velocity Frequent Flyer members on the Canberra services, along with reciprocal lounge access for eligible travelers.

Qatar Airways continues to collaborate with Virgin Australia to secure the necessary regulatory approvals for their proposed partnership.