Virgin Australia has launched its first-ever Perth to Doha flight, marking a major milestone in its return to long-haul international flying and an expansion of its strategic partnership with Qatar Airways.
The new service, which offers seamless one-stop connectivity to more than 170 global destinations via Doha, comes at a time of unprecedented challenge for Qatar Airways. The airline has faced a turbulent week involving operational and diplomatic disruptions, drawing further global attention to the significance of this newly strengthened alliance.
The Perth–Doha launch follows the introduction of Virgin Australia services to Sydney and Brisbane, with Melbourne flights set to begin in December. It represents a further evolution of the partnership between the two carriers, aimed at boosting connectivity, capacity, and competition on routes between Australia and Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Passengers will travel on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring the award-winning Qsuite Business Class—recently named the World’s Best Business Class by Skytrax—alongside spacious economy cabins and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi available throughout the journey.
By December 2025, the alliance will see combined annual capacity on routes between Australia and Doha reach 2.65 million seats, delivering more choice and convenience to Australian travellers and travel agents. The enhanced services are expected to generate more than $3 billion in economic activity within Australia over the next five years and create hundreds of new jobs across aviation, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson described the new flights as “the beginning of a new era.”
“Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we’re not just launching new routes—we’re opening the world to millions of Australians,” he said. “This partnership strengthens Australia’s global connectivity while generating jobs, boosting tourism and injecting billions into the national economy.”
Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer echoed the sentiment, calling the new route “a milestone moment” that reflects the airlines’ joint ambition to enhance service, increase competition, and offer greater value to Australian travellers.
Loyalty rewards for Velocity members
Velocity Frequent Flyer members are set to benefit from a range of enhancements on the new services, including:
- 50% bonus Status Credits on bookings made between 12–30 June 2025 for travel between 1 October 2025 and 27 May 2026.
- Increased Status Credit earn rates on eligible Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways-operated flights from 1 October 2025.
- Points bonuses for Silver (50%), Gold (75%) and Platinum (100%) members.
- Business Class upgrades using Points (from 1 July 2025), additional baggage allowances, premium lounge access, and US$20 Dine on Us vouchers for selected outlets at Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
Celebration fares available now
To mark its return to long-haul flying, Virgin Australia has released special celebration fares to Doha and selected European destinations, with discounts of up to 15% for travel between 16 October 2025 and 31 March 2026. Sale fares are available until 30 June 2025 or until sold out.
The new Perth–Doha service opens a key west coast gateway to the world—cementing Virgin Australia’s international comeback and giving agents even more to offer clients seeking seamless connections to six continents.
