In a boost for travel (and confidence) to Qatar, the Middle East and beyond, Qatar Airways will resume a twice-daily service between Melbourne and Doha, plus lift its Canberra service to daily in December 2026. The carrier will also introduce its first Melbourne-New Zealand flights later this year.
In good news for Aussies flying to and through the Gulf, especially to Europe, Qatar Airways’ extra Melbourne-Doha capacity will restart on 8 December, growing the carrier’s total Tullamarine frequency from the previously scheduled 11 flights per week to a double-daily service.
When the extra Victorian flights kick off, the airline will also shift its tagged Auckland service to fly via Melbourne instead of Adelaide. This marks the first time the carrier has flown between Melbourne and New Zealand – and the debut of the carrier’s Qsuite on flights on the route.
The B777-300ER service (flight QR 904) will depart Doha at 1.50am and land in Melbourne at 10.20pm, before flying onto Auckland at 1.20am and landing in New Zealand at 6.50am.
The return flight (QR 905) will depart Auckland at 1.15pm and arrive in Melbourne at 3.10pm. It will then continue to Doha at 5.10pm, arriving at 11.25pm (local time).
Capital gains
At the same time, Qatar Airways will increase its Doha-Melbourne-Canberra service from four flights per week to a daily operation.
The carrier will also use its B777 aircraft for its ACT service (flights QR988/989).
The Gulf carrier announced its return to the nation’s capital earlier this month, in a move that totally restores the airline’s Australian network after multiple routes were suspended during the Middle East conflict.
“Qatar Airways’ return will give Canberrans better global connectivity and more competition, while supporting tourism, trade, business travel, education and visiting friends and relatives across the ACT and surrounding region,” Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron said when Qatar’s return was confirmed.
Advice unchanged
In its official advice on Smartraveller, the Australian Government still urges Aussies to “reconsider their need to travel” (level three) to Qatar, due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
It warns that “Qatar airspace may open or close at short notice, impacting flights at Doha’s international airport”.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Qatar Airways’ capacity boost signals renewed confidence in Gulf travel, giving travel advisors more options to Europe while restoring key Australian connections despite unchanged government travel advice to Qatar.
