Australia’s Game-Changing Airline Move: New Flights to Europe and the Middle East Start This Month!

Published on December 2, 2025

A significant boost to international air travel options for Australians is underway, as two major airlines introduce new services this month. Starting December, Virgin Australia began offering a daily Melbourne to Doha service, adding to its growing list of long-haul flights. This new route represents a milestone for Virgin Australia, enhancing travel connections between Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Additionally, Qatar Airways resumed its daily flights from Canberra to international destinations starting on December 2, further expanding the global reach of Australians traveling abroad.

Virgin Australia’s Return to Long-Haul Flights

Virgin Australia’s announcement marks the return of the airline to long-haul flying after it resumed such services in June 2025 with the launch of its Sydney to Doha route. The new Melbourne-Doha connection provides Australian travelers with additional options for flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. By connecting in Doha, passengers from Sydney and Melbourne will have seamless access to a range of international destinations.

Virgin Australia has partnered with Qatar Airways for these flights, utilizing Qatar Airways’ state-of-the-art aircraft under a leasing agreement. Qatar Airways, which has consistently been ranked as the world’s best airline by Skytrax Airline Awards, will provide the aircraft for the Melbourne-Doha route. This partnership ensures passengers will enjoy world-class service, including Qatar Airways’ renowned business-class offerings and access to international connections.

Dave Emerson’s Vision for the Future of Travel

Virgin Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Dave Emerson, emphasized the importance of the new Melbourne-Doha service for the airline and Australian travelers. Emerson described the collaboration with Qatar Airways as pivotal for providing Australians with more competitive airfares and enhanced flight options to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. He highlighted the potential of these new services to stimulate economic growth, boost tourism, and create new job opportunities in Australia.

Qatar Airways’ Return to Canberra

The launch of the Melbourne-Doha service by Virgin Australia coincided with Qatar Airways’ return to Canberra, beginning December 2. This development is seen as a game-changer for international travel in Australia’s capital region. The Boeing 777 service connecting Canberra to Melbourne and then onward to Doha will open up a wealth of travel possibilities. While the flight does not offer direct service to Doha, passengers will benefit from the seamless connection through Melbourne.

Qatar Airways’ service to Canberra Airport will provide access to more than 170 destinations worldwide, making it a significant addition to the city’s international travel options. Passengers flying on this route will also enjoy the premium service options available on Qatar Airways flights, including the Qsuites business class and Starlink Wi-Fi, enhancing the flying experience. The services will cater to both leisure and business travelers, with increased flexibility and convenience in scheduling.

The Impact on Canberra and Regional Australia

Stephen Byron, CEO of Canberra Airport, hailed Qatar Airways’ return to Canberra as a “game-changer” for international air travel. This new service restores a crucial international link for over a million people in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and southern New South Wales (NSW). By reopening direct access to international connections through Qatar Airways, Canberra residents and businesses will benefit from enhanced travel opportunities, boosting both tourism and global trade prospects.

Byron emphasized that the service would play a key role in fostering economic growth and increasing international connectivity for the region. The addition of daily Qatar Airways flights will allow both business and leisure travelers from the Canberra region to travel with greater ease, exploring a wide range of destinations and unlocking new business opportunities.

Business Travel Flexibility for Australia’s Corporate Sector

For business travelers in Australia, the new services from Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways are expected to offer greater flexibility, particularly for those flying to destinations in Europe and the Middle East. According to Tom Walley, Global Managing Director of Corporate Traveller, the introduction of multiple daily departures will significantly improve scheduling flexibility for business customers. Instead of being confined to limited flight options, business travelers can now choose from a broader range of departure times that suit their needs.

Walley highlighted the importance of this flexibility, noting that it will make international business travel more efficient and convenient for corporate clients. This service is expected to be particularly valuable for companies with operations in Europe or the Middle East, as the increased flight options will help meet the diverse scheduling needs of their employees.

Enhancing Tourism and Economic Opportunities

The expansion of international flight options from Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney is expected to have a positive impact on both tourism and trade in Australia. The connections to Doha, Europe, and the Middle East will not only provide more travel opportunities for Australians, but also bring in international tourists and business visitors to the country. With the increased connectivity, Australians will have more choices for traveling abroad, whether for leisure, work, or connecting with family and friends.

In addition to tourism, the new services are seen as an important step for increasing trade and business opportunitiesbetween Australia and key regions like the Middle East and Europe. The presence of premium services, like Qatar Airways’ Qsuites and high-speed Wi-Fi, will attract a wide range of travelers, from tourists looking for luxury experiences to business professionals in need of efficient travel.

Conclusion

The recent developments by Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways are a welcome boost for Australian international travelers, providing them with more options for long-haul flights to Doha, Europe, and the Middle East. With expanded services from major airports like Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, the collaboration between these two airlines enhances business and tourism opportunities and further solidifies Australia’s position in the global travel market. Whether for business or leisure, the new routes promise greater convenience, flexibility, and world-class service for travelers.