Virgin Australia has reached a significant milestone in its journey back from administration as it resumes long-haul international operations with the launch of its Sydney to Doha service on June 12, 2025. In partnership with Qatar Airways, the airline is now offering a daily service from Sydney to Doha Hamad International Airport, connecting Australian travelers to over 170 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

This exciting development signifies a new chapter for Virgin Australia, with plans for more flights to Doha from other Australian cities in the coming months. Flights from Brisbane to Doha will start on June 19, followed by Perth on June 26, and Melbourne in December 2025. The collaboration between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will significantly increase the capacity of flights between Australia and Doha to 2.65 million seats per year by the end of 2025.

Passengers on these flights will enjoy the comfort of Qatar Airways' Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring 42 lie-flat business class suites and 312 economy class seats. Additionally, complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi will be available to all passengers throughout the journey.

The inaugural flight from Sydney to Doha, operated by Boeing 777 A7-BET under the flight number VA1, took 14 hours and four minutes to cover the 7,687-mile route. Virgin Australia estimates that this new service will generate over $3 billion in economic activity in Australia over the next five years, leading to increased tourism and job opportunities in the aviation, hospitality, and tourism sectors.

Dave Emerson, CEO of Virgin Australia, expressed his excitement about this new chapter, stating, "Today marks the beginning of a new era for Virgin Australia and for international travel from Australia. Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we're not just launching a new route; we're opening the world to millions of Australians."

Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, also commented on the collaboration, saying, "We are delighted to welcome Virgin Australia's inaugural Sydney to Doha service to our award-winning Hamad International Airport. This milestone moment reflects our shared ambition to deliver increased competition, world-class service, and value to Australian passengers."

The launch of the Sydney to Doha service is set to create hundreds of new jobs and boost tourism while enhancing Australia's global connectivity. This partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways is not just about connecting flights; it's about creating opportunities for travelers to explore new destinations and experiences seamlessly.