Qatar Airways To Restart Daily Canberra Flights From December 2025

From December 2025, Qatar Airways will resume daily flights to Canberra, a service which the Gulf carrier put on pause during the pandemic. The return of Qatar’s Canberra flights is hoped to increase both connectivity and competition in the interest of travellers.

While this service previously operated with a stop in Sydney, this time it’s Melbourne that will welcome the short domestic leg, ahead of the long jaunt across to the airline’s Doha hub. Onward connections from what Qatar loves to remind travellers is consistently voted as the World’s Best Airport, sees seamless connections to more than 170 global destinations.

The flights are set to be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft, which feature the brilliant QSuite in Business Class. In a statement, Qatar mentions that non-Qsuite configured aircraft would only operate to Canberra in the event of an operational change, with flights including a Qsuite configuration by default.

These jets also feature high-speed Starlink WiFi internet. The service is complimentary for all passengers, as Starlink currently prohibits airlines from charging for the service. Of course, most airlines will never mention that!

Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, was pleased to return service to Australia’s capital, adding that the city “rightly expects to be served by a range of international airlines.”

“Whether travelling for business, government services or leisure, our commitment to Australia, and to Canberra, is one that we know will bring much needed healthy competition to the market and greater choice for passengers.”

Stephen Byron, Canberra Airport CEO, echoed the importance of completion.

“The return of Qatar Airways marks an exciting and pivotal moment for Canberra and our surrounding regions…These opportunities are not just about enhancing connectivity; they're about strengthening business connections, driving economic development, and creating jobs.”

Qatar To Operate Virgin Australia Flights

Today’s announcement comes as Virgin Australia’s new Qatar wet lease services from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth go on sale, which also offer connecting options across Qatar’s global network. While still in the final stages of regulatory approval, the Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia partnership positions Virgin to better compete on an international scale.

Velocity and Privilege Club loyalty members will have maximised earning and redemption opportunities on these new services, and eligible travellers will also enjoy reciprocal lounge benefits.