Virgin Australia marked a major milestone on 1 December with the inaugural departure of flight VA157 from Melbourne to Doha, the carrier’s first long-haul service since re-entering the international market earlier in 2025. Operated in partnership with shareholder Qatar Airways, the Boeing 777 flight unlocks one-stop connections to more than 170 destinations across Europe, Africa and the Middle East via Hamad International Airport.
The new service brings Virgin’s joint Australia–Doha operations to four daily frequencies from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth—an annual capacity increase of 53 percent that Melbourne Airport estimates will add AU$190 million to Victoria’s economy each year. The belly-hold also provides 108 tonnes of additional weekly cargo space for exporters of perishables and high-value freight.
![Virgin Australia Launches Daily Melbourne-Doha Route, Expanding One-Stop Access to 170 Destinations]()
For corporate travel managers the route offers fresh competition on the kangaroo corridor to Europe, with Virgin advertising launch fares 15 percent below incumbent carriers until 4 December. Velocity Frequent Flyer members can earn and redeem points on the flight and receive lounge access in Doha, including a new AU$30 ‘Dine on Us’ voucher programme.
The expansion cements Qatar Airways’ hub-and-spoke strategy in Australasia after bilateral tensions in 2023 over extra landing rights. Analysts say the partnership could pressure Qantas and Emirates to step up capacity or risk losing market share among price-sensitive SME travellers and expats.
Relocation specialists note that the service adds welcome seat inventory during the busy January mobility season, making it easier for assignees and their families to secure flights to Europe and the Gulf as new projects ramp up for 2026.
The new service brings Virgin’s joint Australia–Doha operations to four daily frequencies from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth—an annual capacity increase of 53 percent that Melbourne Airport estimates will add AU$190 million to Victoria’s economy each year. The belly-hold also provides 108 tonnes of additional weekly cargo space for exporters of perishables and high-value freight.
For corporate travel managers the route offers fresh competition on the kangaroo corridor to Europe, with Virgin advertising launch fares 15 percent below incumbent carriers until 4 December. Velocity Frequent Flyer members can earn and redeem points on the flight and receive lounge access in Doha, including a new AU$30 ‘Dine on Us’ voucher programme.
The expansion cements Qatar Airways’ hub-and-spoke strategy in Australasia after bilateral tensions in 2023 over extra landing rights. Analysts say the partnership could pressure Qantas and Emirates to step up capacity or risk losing market share among price-sensitive SME travellers and expats.
Relocation specialists note that the service adds welcome seat inventory during the busy January mobility season, making it easier for assignees and their families to secure flights to Europe and the Gulf as new projects ramp up for 2026.
