Virgin Australia marked a major milestone this week with the launch of its first-ever Brisbane to Doha service, expanding its international footprint and deepening its alliance with Qatar Airways. The new long-haul route connects Australian travellers to more than 170 destinations globally via Qatar Airways’ Hamad International Airport hub.
The Brisbane–Doha launch follows Virgin Australia’s return to long-haul flying earlier this month. With daily services from Sydney already operating, flights from Perth will commence on 26 June and Melbourne will join the network in December. Together, these routes form a key pillar of the Virgin Australia–Qatar Airways partnership, which was approved by the ACCC in 2023.
By December, the alliance will offer 2.65 million seats annually between Australia and Doha, strengthening Australia’s global aviation connections and creating additional opportunities for trade, tourism and employment.
What the route offers
Flights between Australia and Doha (VA1-29) are operated by Qatar Airways using Boeing 777 aircraft featuring:
- Qsuite Business Class with lie-flat beds and privacy doors.
- Double bed option for couples.
- Spacious Economy cabins with wide seats.
- Complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all passengers.
These services give Australian passengers direct access to Qatar Airways’ extensive global network, including key destinations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
What it means for the industry
The launch is projected to generate more than $3 billion in economic activity across Australia over the next five years. In addition to driving inbound tourism, the alliance is expected to create hundreds of new jobs across aviation and tourism sectors. For Virgin Australia crew, the new route also opens international secondment opportunities with Qatar Airways.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the new service marks the most significant capacity increase between Queensland and Europe in two years. “We’re confident these new daily flights will boost tourism, strengthen international ties, and support Queensland’s exporters,” he said.
Queensland’s Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, added: “This is a part of our new 20-year tourism plan, Destination 2045, in action.”
Loyalty incentives for agents and flyers
Virgin Australia has also rolled out Velocity Frequent Flyer incentives to support the new route:
- 50% bonus Status Credits for eligible bookings made by 30 June 2025 for travel between 1 October 2025 and 27 May 2026.
- Velocity Silver, Gold and Platinum members can earn 50%, 75% and 100% bonus Points respectively on eligible VA1-29 flights.
From 1 October 2025, all flights between Australia and Doha will follow updated Status Credit earning rules. Members will need to earn at least 50% of their Status Credits on Virgin Australia marketed and/or operated flights to upgrade or maintain their tier.
Other benefits include:
- Business Class upgrades using Points (available from 1 July 2025 on Economy Flex fares).
- US$20 food and beverage vouchers at Hamad International Airport.
- Complimentary lounge access in Australia, Doha and select European ports for eligible members.
- Advance seat selection and additional baggage allowance for Gold and Platinum flyers.
Strategic growth and future expansion
Virgin Australia Group CEO Dave Emerson described the launch as a pivotal step in the airline’s post-pandemic international strategy.
“Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we’re not just launching new routes—we’re opening the world to millions of Australians,” he said.
Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said the new Brisbane–Doha service reflects both airlines’ commitment to expanding access and improving passenger experience.
“This milestone moment in the partnership is the culmination of many months of meticulous planning,” he said.
The four-city rollout of Virgin Australia’s Doha services builds on the momentum of its domestic growth and loyalty program expansion. It also repositions Brisbane as a key international hub for the airline.
Agent takeaways
For travel advisors, the new services offer several key benefits:
- Daily long-haul inventory between four Australian cities and Doha.
- Seamless global connections through Qatar Airways’ extensive international network.
- Competitive fares and loyalty program benefits for clients.
- Sellable premium product with Qsuite Business Class and onboard Wi-Fi.
Agents can book via the Virgin Australia Business Portal, through TMCs or GDS platforms.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Virgin Australia’s Doha debut signals a key step in its global comeback. For agents, it means daily long-haul seats, strong loyalty perks and a premium product with broad appeal. With high trade value and a vast network now in reach, this one’s worth watching.
