Key Takeaways
• Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways launched direct Brisbane–Doha flights on June 19, 2025, using Boeing 777 aircraft.
• Qatar Airways holds a 25% stake in Virgin Australia; the partnership got ACCC approval for five years.
• The alliance offers up to 70 weekly flights and 2.65 million seats yearly, boosting travel, trade, and jobs.
On June 19, 2025, Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways marked a major milestone in global aviation with the official launch of direct Brisbane–Doha flights, operated using the Boeing 777. This new service, which began with flight VA15 from Brisbane to Doha, is part of a much larger partnership between the two airlines. The alliance, now fully approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is set to reshape travel, trade, and immigration between Australia 🇦🇺, Qatar 🇶🇦, and beyond.
Who is involved? Virgin Australia, one of Australia’s largest airlines, and Qatar Airways, the national carrier of Qatar, have joined forces. What is happening? They are launching new long-haul flights between major Australian cities and Doha, using Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft and crew. When? The Brisbane–Doha route began June 19, 2025, with other routes like Perth–Doha and Melbourne–Doha following soon after. Where? The flights connect Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne with Doha, Qatar’s capital. Why? The partnership aims to boost competition, lower fares, create jobs, and offer more travel options. How? Virgin Australia operates the flights under its own flight numbers, but the planes and crew come from Qatar Airways, thanks to a wet-lease agreement.
Let’s break down what this means for travelers, immigrants, businesses, and the broader community.
The New Partnership: What’s Changing?
Expanded Flight Network
With this partnership, Virgin Australia returns to long-haul international flying after a break since 2020. The new flights are operated by Virgin Australia but use Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft and crew. This arrangement, called a “wet-lease,” allows Virgin Australia to offer international flights without buying its own large planes right away.
Key new routes and dates:
– Brisbane–Doha (VA15/VA16): Launches June 19–20, 2025
– Perth–Doha (VA21/VA22): Starts June 26–27, 2025
– Sydney–Doha (VA1/QR8400, VA2/QR8401): Began June 12–13, 2025
– Melbourne–Doha (VA7/QR8402, VA8/QR8403): Begins December 1, 2025
By December 2025, the alliance will offer up to 2.65 million seats per year between Australia 🇦🇺 and Doha 🇶🇦, with up to 70 weekly flights connecting to over 100 destinations worldwide.
Official Approvals and Ownership
The partnership is fully approved by the ACCC, which granted a five-year authorization after careful review. In February 2025, Qatar Airways’ 25% equity stake in Virgin Australia received final approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). This investment cements the partnership and gives both airlines a strong incentive to grow together.
Why Does This Matter? Key Benefits and Impacts
For Travelers and Immigrants
More Choices and Lower Fares:
The partnership doubles the number of flights between Australia and Doha, making it easier for people to travel for work, study, family visits, or migration. With more seats and airlines competing, ticket prices are expected to drop, and service quality should improve.
Seamless Connections:
Travelers can now book flights from Australia to over 100 destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East through Doha. This is especially helpful for immigrants and families who need to visit or move between continents.
Easy Booking and Loyalty Rewards:
– Booking: Flights can be booked on the Virgin Australia or Qatar Airways websites, through travel agents, or using global booking systems.
– Loyalty Programs: Members of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer and Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club can earn and use points on all these flights. From October 1, 2025, the way points are earned will be the same for both airlines on Australia–Doha routes, making it easier to reach elite status and enjoy perks.
– Premium Experience: Eligible passengers get access to airport lounges in Australia, Doha, and some European cities, plus food vouchers at Hamad International Airport in Doha.
Modern Aircraft and Comfort:
All new flights use Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777s, which feature the popular Qsuite Business Class and free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all passengers.
For Businesses and Exporters
Boost for Trade:
Qatar Airways Cargo, working with Virgin Australia, adds over 180 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity. This is a big win for Australian exporters, who can now send more goods quickly to markets in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
Economic Growth:
The alliance is expected to inject over AU$3 billion (US$1.89 billion) into the Australian economy over five years. Hundreds of new jobs will be created in aviation, tourism, and hospitality.
For the Aviation Industry
Competition and Innovation:
The partnership increases competition on routes between Australia, the Middle East, and Europe. This puts pressure on other airlines to improve their services and keep prices fair. Virgin Australia can now compete directly with Qantas and Emirates on long-haul flights without having to buy its own fleet of large planes.
Job Opportunities:
The alliance creates hundreds of jobs, not just for flight crews but also in airports, tourism, and related industries. In 2025, 20 Virgin Australia pilots and 40 cabin crew will have the chance to work with Qatar Airways, gaining valuable international experience.
How Does the Booking and Travel Process Work?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for travelers:
- Booking Your Flight:
- Go to the Virgin Australia or Qatar Airways website, or use a travel agent.
- Look for flights with VA (Virgin Australia) codes, such as VA15 for Brisbane–Doha.
- Choosing Your Seat:
- All flights use Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777, known for comfort and modern features.
- Business Class travelers can enjoy Qsuite, a private and spacious seat.
- Loyalty Benefits:
- Enter your Velocity or Privilege Club number when booking to earn points and status credits.
- From October 1, 2025, earning rates are the same on both airlines’ Australia–Doha flights.
- At the Airport:
- Eligible passengers can use premium lounges in Australia, Doha, and some European cities.
- Food vouchers are available at Hamad International Airport for certain travelers.
- Cargo Services:
- Exporters can book extra cargo space through Qatar Airways Cargo, now with more capacity thanks to the partnership.
For more details on booking and travel, you can visit the official Qatar Airways partnership page.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Virgin Australia stopped flying long-haul international routes in 2020 after going through financial trouble and restructuring. In 2022, it began a codeshare partnership with Qatar Airways, which allowed passengers to book connecting flights on both airlines. By 2024, the partnership grew into a full strategic alliance.
In early 2025, Qatar Airways announced it would buy a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. This move, approved by both the ACCC and the FIRB, gave Virgin Australia the financial backing and resources needed to restart international flights. The ACCC granted interim approval in November 2024 and final approval in March 2025, clearing the way for the June 2025 launch.
What Do the Experts and Stakeholders Say?
Virgin Australia:
CEO Jayne Hrdlicka called the partnership a “significant evolution” for the airline, saying it allows Virgin Australia to return to international flying and compete more strongly.
Qatar Airways:
CEO Akbar Al Baker (as of 2024) said the 25% stake and expanded network are key to both airlines’ growth, giving travelers more options and better service.
Australian Government:
The Federal Treasurer and FIRB approved the deal, noting the benefits for competition and the visitor economy.
ACCC:
Commissioner Anna Brakey said the alliance would “add capacity, place downward price pressure, and give customers greater choice and loyalty benefits.”
Aviation Analysts:
Industry experts see the partnership as a “game-changer” for Virgin Australia, letting it compete with Qantas and Emirates without the huge cost of buying its own widebody planes.
Tourism and Trade Groups:
Tourism bodies and airport operators welcome the extra flights and cargo space, expecting more tourists and stronger trade links.
Labour Unions:
Some unions worry about the impact of wet-leasing (using another airline’s planes and crew) on Australian jobs. However, regulators found the arrangement necessary for Virgin Australia’s international restart and unlikely to harm the workforce in a big way.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the partnership is expected to benefit travelers, businesses, and the broader economy, while regulators will keep monitoring its impact on competition and jobs.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
Competition:
With more flights and airlines on key routes, travelers should see lower fares and better service. The partnership also encourages other airlines to improve their offerings.
Connectivity:
Passengers can now reach over 100 destinations via Doha, making it easier for immigrants, students, and business travelers to move between Australia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Loyalty Programs:
The integration of Velocity Frequent Flyer and Qatar Airways Privilege Club means more ways to earn and use points, plus harmonized status credit earning from October 2025.
Employment:
Hundreds of jobs will be created, and Australian pilots and cabin crew will gain international experience through secondments with Qatar Airways.
Cargo:
Australian exporters benefit from increased air freight capacity, supporting trade and economic growth.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Melbourne–Doha flights will launch in December 2025, further expanding the network. The alliance may add more flights or new destinations in the future, depending on demand and regulatory approval.
Sustainability:
Both airlines plan to focus on using sustainable aviation fuel and following environmental best practices.
Ongoing Oversight:
The ACCC’s five-year authorization will be reviewed before renewal. Regulators will keep an eye on the alliance’s impact on competition and jobs.
Practical Guidance for Travelers and Immigrants
- Check Visa Requirements:
Before booking, make sure you have the right visa for your destination. For official information on Australian visas, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. - Book Early:
With more flights and lower fares, demand is expected to be high, especially during holidays and peak seasons. - Use Loyalty Programs:
Sign up for Velocity Frequent Flyer or Qatar Airways Privilege Club to earn points and enjoy benefits on these new routes. - Cargo Bookings:
Exporters should contact Qatar Airways Cargo or Virgin Australia for details on increased cargo capacity.
Conclusion: A New Era for Australia–Qatar Travel
The launch of Brisbane–Doha flights with the Boeing 777, operated by Virgin Australia in partnership with Qatar Airways, marks the start of a new chapter in international travel and trade. With more flights, better connections, and improved loyalty benefits, travelers and businesses have much to gain. The partnership is set to boost competition, create jobs, and strengthen ties between Australia 🇦🇺, Qatar 🇶🇦, and the world.
For the latest updates, visit the official airline websites or the ACCC public register for regulatory information. As this alliance grows, travelers, immigrants, and exporters can look forward to more choices, better service, and new opportunities across continents.
Learn Today
Boeing 777 → A wide-body twin-engine jet used by Qatar Airways for comfortable international flights.
Wet-lease → An arrangement where one airline provides aircraft and crew to another airline’s operation.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) → Government agency that approves airline partnerships ensuring competition and fair pricing.
Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) → Agency that authorizes foreign investment stakes in Australian companies.
Velocity Frequent Flyer → Virgin Australia’s loyalty program allowing members to earn and redeem points on partnered flights.
This Article in a Nutshell
Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways revived Australia’s long-haul flights with a strategic alliance launching Brisbane–Doha routes. Utilizing Qatar’s Boeing 777s, this partnership expands connectivity, increases competition, lowers fares, and creates jobs, linking Australia to over 100 destinations with seamless booking and loyalty benefits for travelers and businesses.
— By VisaVerge.com
