When Virgin Australia financially imploded in April 2020, much of the blame was pointed at its Boeing 777 international services, which saw the once low-cost carrier compete head-to-head with Qantas. Since its rebirth in November 2020, Virgin Australia has rebuilt itself as a mid-market domestic and short-haul international operator using single-aisle aircraft to return to profitability.

Back to the future with Virgin Australia

Today, Virgin Australia announced its new era of international travel is ready to take off. However, this time, it is using aircraft and crews from Qatar Airways to provide Australian customers with opportunities to travel to more than 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Customers can now book Virgin Australia flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha for travel starting in June 2025, with Melbourne added later in 2025.

Virgin Australia has received interim authorization from Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission to operate up to 28 weekly flights between Australia and Doha via a wet lease arrangement with Qatar Airways. The interim authorization was given to allow Virgin Australia (VA) and Qatar Airways (Qatar) sufficient time to market and sell tickets before the June 2025 launch while providing consumers with protection should the flights not go ahead.

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A game changer for Australian aviation

Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the new airline partnership with Qatar Airways is a game-changer that will drive benefits to consumers, the economy and Australian aviation. She added it is a critical piece in Virgin Australia’s long-term strategy and a huge vote of confidence in Australian aviation that will further strengthen the airline’s long-term competitiveness and the growth of Australian aviation.

“For Virgin Australia this gives us the ability to start long-haul flying, which we have not been able to do over the past four and a half years. Our 28 new weekly services to Doha will open up a world of opportunity for those wanting to travel overseas, with more passengers able to connect to over 100 destinations around the world on Qatar’s network.”

The bilateral air rights between Australia and Qatar allow for 28 weekly flights from both countries. Qatar is already operating its share, and the Australian government rejected its application to increase services to major Australian ports last year. With no Australian airline flying the route, the door was open for Virgin Australia to pick up those rights and wet lease the aircraft and crews to operate the route.

Photo: Gilang Putraditya Purba | Shutterstock

This is excellent news for Australian travelers as the lack of competition has pushed fares higher, fueled by the cozy partnership between Emirates and Qantas and the overall lack of competition. It is also another way for Australians to travel to London, and the access to destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa opens up affordable options that will no doubt stir up some price competition.

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Virgin Australia has hit the ground running with low fares

VA’s flights to Doha will be welcomed by Australian businesses looking for more opportunities to get their products into the Middle East, especially from the agricultural sector. Over the next five years, the services sector will benefit from an additional AU$3 billion ($2b) in economic value from the increased inbound visitors, generating more jobs and opportunities for the travel and tourism industry.

Photo: Qatar Airways

Virgin Australia has already launched special fares for the June Boeing 777 flights that compete with Qantas services, including:

• Perth (PER) to Paris Economy Choice return from AU$1,791 ($1,182)
• Sydney (SYD) to London Economy Choice return from AU$1,982 ($1,308)
• Brisbane to Rome Economy Choice return from AU$1,945 ($1,284)

Special launch fares and promotions are now available on both the Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways websites, and while final regulatory approvals are pending, protections are in place for those booking early. They will have options for either refunds or reaccommodation on suitable alternative flights and reimbursement for reasonably foreseeable costs if the new services cannot go ahead as planned.