Qatar Airways (QR) has become the latest international airline to sign on at Australia’s new 24-hour global gateway.
The award-winning Middle Eastern carrier is set to offer services between Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) and the airline’s Doha hub.
Taking off from December 15, 2027, QR will operate three flights a week between WSI and Hamad International Airport, with plans to increase its frequency to daily services by the end of 2028.
Simon Hickey, WSI CEO, said the partnership would significantly boost Western Sydney International Airport’s global connectivity.
“With just four days to go until we welcome our first passengers, I’m excited to announce that Qatar Airways is bringing its five-star service to Western Sydney International, ensuring travellers will be able to connect world-wide via the airline’s top-tier Doha hub,” he said.
“What’s more, with the addition of this premium carrier alongside WSI’s existing airline partners, our customers will be able to enjoy access to more than 250 destinations around the globe within the first 14 months of the airport’s launch, which is a strong start for Australia’s first major greenfield international airport in more than five decades.”
The Qatar Airways services from WSI will comprise:
* Three weekly return services between Hamad International Airport, Doha and WSI – every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
* The first service will operate on December 15, 2027
* Flights will arrive from Doha into WSI at 11.45pm, with the return service departing WSI at 4.10pm the following day, to arrive back at the Doha hub at 11pm
* The services will operate on Boeing 777 300ER aircraft featuring the award-winning Qsuite business class, offering up to 354 seats (including 312 economy seats and 42 business class seats)
* Tickets will go on sale to fly between WSI and Doha from December 19.
“The timing of the service utilises one of WSI’s key competitive advantages – it’s 24-hour capacity – which will connect our global city in new and unprecedented ways, increasing choice, flexibility and opportunity, for business, airlines and their customers,” added Mr Hickey.
“Our launch at Western Sydney International is the next chapter in our long-standing partnership with Australia, one of our most important markets,” said Hamad Al Khater, Group Chief Executive Qatar Airways Group.
“The new route will link Western Sydney directly with Doha and, through Hamad International Airport, with more than 170 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and beyond, strengthening existing ties and creating new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment between Australia, Qatar and the wider world.
“With the airport operating around the clock, we will bring more international visitors to New South Wales and offer Australian travellers the premium Qatar Airways experience from a second Sydney gateway.”
