'Game-changer': two major Aussie airports gain new overseas flight options

New gateways to Europe and the world take off.

A Qatar flight takes off. Picture supplied by Virgin Australia

Updated December 16, 2025, first published December 2, 2025

Aussies flying overseas from two major airports now have more choice as two airlines begin flying through the hubs this month.

Virgin Australia is now offering a daily Melbourne to Doha service, with its inaugural flight taking off on December 1.

This follows Virgin Australia's return to long-haul flying in June 2025 which kicked off with flights from Sydney to the Qatar capital. Aussies flying Virgin from Sydney and Melbourne can connect in Doha for flights to Europe and the Middle East.

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Virgin uses Qatar Airways planes for these services under a lease agreement. The Doha-based airline has won best airline in the world nine times at the Skytrax Airline Awards.

Virgin Australia chief executive officer, Dave Emerson, said the inaugural Melbourne-Doha service represents a pivotal moment for Virgin Australia and for Australian travellers.

"Together with Qatar Airways, we're able to offer competitive airfares between Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, while creating new economic opportunities that will benefit tourism, trade and Australian jobs," Mr Emerson said.

The move coincides with Qatar Airways resuming daily flights from Canberra on December 2.

The Boeing 777 service will connect Canberra to more than 170 destinations abroad. But passengers won't fly direct to Doha - they'll fly via Melbourne.

The services will give Canberrans access to business class Qsuites and free Starlink Wi-Fi.

Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron called Qatar Airways' return to Canberra a "game-changer for international travel".

"It restores a vital link for over a million people across the ACT and southern NSW, while opening the door to global opportunities for business and tourism," he said.

Corporate Traveller said the new flights would give business travellers more flexibility on Europe and Middle East routes.

"Having multiple departure times each day means business travellers can actually choose schedules that work for them, rather than being stuck with limited options," the company's global managing director, Tom Walley, said.

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.