Melbourne to Doha Just Got Easier: Virgin Australia New Daily Service Connects Australia and Qatar

Published on December 1, 2025

Virgin Australia continues to strengthen its long-haul network with the introduction of its first daily Melbourne-Doha service. This new route, launched just ahead of the busy Christmas travel season, represents a significant milestone for the airline. With this new service, Virgin Australia enhances its connectivity to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, providing passengers with increased flexibility and access to more global destinations.

As part of the expanded network, Virgin Australia, in partnership with Qatar Airways, now offers four daily services from major Australian cities—Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth—to Doha, Qatar. The addition of this new service is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, injecting more than $3 billion into the Australian economy over the next several years. It also provides a boost to regional economies, with Melbourne expected to see more than $190 million in annual economic value from the new international service.

Economic Benefits and Cargo Capacity Expansion

One of the key advantages of the new Melbourne-Doha route is the enhanced cargo capacity it brings. The new service will provide an additional 108 tonnes of cargo capacity each week, which will significantly improve export pathways for Australian businesses. This increase in cargo capacity is expected to support Australian exporters, offering them more efficient access to global markets.

The introduction of the new Melbourne-Doha service aligns with Virgin Australia’s broader goal to increase the frequency of long-haul flights from Australia, enhancing Australia’s global trade links while offering travelers more choice and flexibility. The ability to ship goods efficiently and quickly will undoubtedly benefit sectors reliant on international trade, such as agriculture, technology, and mining.

A Sale on Melbourne-Doha Fares

In celebration of the new service, Virgin Australia is offering a special sale, with up to 15% off eligible Economy fares between Australia and Doha, as well as onwards to Europe on Qatar Airways-operated flights. This offer applies to selected travel dates and will be available until December 4, 2025. The sale aims to give passengers more affordable options to experience the new service while also increasing competition on routes between Australia, the Middle East, and Europe.

This promotion offers an excellent opportunity for both leisure and business travelers to book affordable flights to Doha and beyond. The collaboration between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways has made this partnership particularly advantageous, allowing travelers to enjoy seamless connections between Australia and numerous global destinations.

Enhanced Connectivity Through Qatar Airways

Virgin Australia’s expanded services to Doha significantly increase the airline’s international connectivity. With Qatar Airways’ extensive network, passengers now have access to over 170 global destinations via a seamless one-stop connection through Doha’s Hamad International Airport. This expanded connectivity makes it easier for Australian travelers to reach destinations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East with minimal hassle.

The partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways has not only created more travel options for Australian passengers but also strengthened both airlines’ presence in key markets. Travelers can now enjoy greater flexibility with multiple daily departure times, which is especially important for business travelers who require more convenience and choice in their international schedules.

A Boost for Australian Tourism

Tourism officials and industry leaders have welcomed the new route, recognizing the significant impact it will have on Australian tourism. The increased frequency of flights between Australia and Doha is expected to bring in more international visitors, particularly from the Middle East and Europe. This influx of visitors is expected to benefit the Australian tourism sector by creating more job opportunities and generating greater tourism spending.

The increase in capacity is especially beneficial for destinations in Australia that are popular among international visitors, including Melbourne. As a major cultural and economic hub, Melbourne is set to benefit from the additional influx of tourists, who will contribute to the local economy through spending on accommodations, dining, and attractions.

Velocity Frequent Flyer Members to Benefit

Virgin Australia’s frequent flyer program, Velocity, will also benefit from the new Melbourne-Doha service. Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem Points on flights to Doha, as well as onward connections to Europe and the Middle East. This makes it easier for members to access a wider range of destinations through Virgin Australia’s network and its partner airlines.

For Velocity members, the new route provides an additional benefit, offering greater flexibility and more options for earning and redeeming Points. As part of the ongoing partnership with Qatar Airways, Velocity members now have access to more than 600 destinations globally, further enhancing the value of the loyalty program.

The Role of Qatar Airways in Expanding Global Access

Qatar Airways has long been recognized as a leader in the aviation industry, with multiple awards for its service and quality. As part of the collaboration with Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways will operate the Melbourne-Doha flights using its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This aircraft is renowned for its comfort, particularly in Business Class, where passengers can experience the award-winning Qsuite, which offers private suites, lie-flat beds, and even the option to create a double bed in the sky for couples.

Passengers flying in Economy Class will also benefit from Qatar Airways’ spacious cabins, which offer one of the widest seats in the industry, as well as renowned in-flight service and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi via Starlink on all flights. These features make Qatar Airways’ aircraft an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Long-Haul Travel from Australia

With the new Melbourne-Doha service, Virgin Australia is poised to continue its growth in the long-haul international travel market. The airline is on track to have one of its busiest summers on record, thanks to increased demand for travel and the expanded services it now offers. Virgin Australia’s return to long-haul international flights, coupled with its partnership with Qatar Airways, signals a bright future for the airline and its passengers.

The expansion of long-haul services is a crucial part of Virgin Australia’s strategy to offer more competitive airfares, increased flexibility, and better value for its customers. The Melbourne-Doha route is just the beginning of what promises to be a continued growth trajectory for Virgin Australia in the international travel market.

[Image Credit: Virgin Australia]