Australian travelers heading abroad can now book cheaper flights after two major airlines joined forces in a ‘gamechanger’ deal.
Virgin Australia, in partnership with Qatar Airways, has launched a range of new flights to more than 100 destinations across the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
From Thursday, Aussies can book flights to fly from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth via Doha to popular European destinations including Rome and Paris from June 2025.
Flights from Melbourne can be booked from January, with flights later in the year.
The new fares include economy flights from Perth to Paris (return) from $1,791, Sydney to London (return) from $1,982 and Brisbane and Rome (return) from $1,945.
Business rates are also expected to be competitive, starting at $8,000 for Perth-Paris.
Virgin Australia will operate the flights using Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft.
The deal is subject to regulatory approval and will shake up international air travel, in direct competition with Qantas’ partnership with Emirates.
Virgin Australia has released a range of new flights to more than 100 destinations across the Middle East, Europe and Africa in partnership with Qatar Airways
On Thursday, Virgin Australia, in partnership with Qatar Airways, released a series of new flights to more than 100 destinations across the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways cabin crew are pictured
Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka called the partnership between Qatar Airways and Qatar Airways a game-changer.
“This is a huge win for Australian travelers, providing greater value and choice for passengers looking to fly internationally,” Ms Hrdlicka said.
“This partnership makes Virgin Australia stronger, improving our ability to compete domestically – which is great news for Virgin Australia, our people and consumers.”
Ms Hrdlicka added that 28 new weekly flights to Doha will open up a world of possibilities for Australians, with more passengers able to connect to more than 100 destinations around the world on Qatar Airways’ network.
Passengers can also earn up to 10,000 bonus Velocity Points on eligible long-haul economy flights booked before January 20 for travel between June 21 and September 30.
The new international flights starting next year will be operated by Virgin Australia using Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft. A Qatar Airways aircraft is shown
The new overseas routes will also make a much-needed contribution to the economy.
“The services sector will benefit from the additional $3 billion in economic value that will be generated over the next five years by increased inbound visitors, meaning more jobs and more opportunities for the travel and tourism industry,” Ms Hrdlicka said.
Qatar Airways has faced controversy in recent years.
In October 2022, Qatar Airways submitted a request to the federal government for 21 additional weekly flights to major cities in Australia.
The Albanian government rejected Qatar Airways’ application nine months later, stating that the additional flights were not in Australia’s national interest.
Australians will book flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth via Doha to popular European destinations including Rome and Paris from June 2025.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Transport rejected repeated claims that the application refusal was aimed at protecting Australian flag carrier Qantas.
Ms King said the 2020 incident at Hamad International Airport – home of Qatar Airways in Doha, when 13 Australian women were searched – provided “context” for her decision.
The women were among 18 female passengers who were thoroughly examined by investigators after a newborn baby was dumped in an airport toilet bin.