At long last, the Red Roo’s sleek cousin has rejoined the international skies.

After years of staring wistfully at flight boards and polishing the cutlery on its domestic routes, Virgin Australia has officially strapped on its long-haul boots and sauntered back onto the global aviation stage—this time with flair, a Qatari handshake, and the unmistakable promise of duty-free perfume.

The inaugural Sydney–Doha service took off on 12 June 2025, marking not just a return to international long-haul flying, but the beginning of a partnership that’s less codeshare and more global coup. Virgin has teamed up with Qatar Airways, one of the world’s most lauded carriers, to offer seamless connections to more than 170 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

In short: if you can pronounce it, Virgin will now fly you near it.

A Jet-Propelled Partnership

The Virgin–Qatar alliance isn’t your garden-variety interline marriage. This is a full-throttle, frequent-flyer-pleasing, economy-boosting aviation bromance.

Dave Emerson, Virgin’s Group Chief Commercial Officer (and, one suspects, a man who can sniff a good codeshare from 40,000 feet), declared with chest-puffed confidence:

“Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we’re not just launching a new route — we’re opening the world to millions of Australians.”

And judging by the stats, he’s not wrong. The tie-up will see Virgin connecting with Qatar’s mighty international network via Doha’s Hamad International Airport, recently voted one of the best airports on Earth — complete with tropical indoor gardens and more luxury boutiques than a Paris arrondissement.

By December 2025, the alliance will support up to 2.65 million seats per year between Australia and Doha, with flights soon to depart from Brisbane (June 19), Perth (June 26), and Melbourne (December).

The Plane Truth: What’s Onboard?

For those whose travel rituals go beyond just fighting the armrest, this new service is bringing back the glamour.

Virgin’s new partner isn’t sending the B-team either. Passengers jetting off to Doha will do so aboard Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777s, which feature the airline’s multi-award-winning Qsuite Business Class. Think private suites, lie-flat beds, and the rare option to combine two Qsuites into a double bed in the sky. (For married couples or honeymooners; not recommended for first dates.)

Economy flyers can also rejoice, with wider-than-average seats, abundant legroom, and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi — so you can scroll, stream, or send smug “guess where I am” selfies from 37,000 feet.

But what sets this route apart is the culinary collaboration. Qatar Airways has roped in award-winning Aussie chef Ross Lusted, who’s whipped up a menu inspired by wood, charcoal and the holy trinity of spanner crab, lamb shoulder and spiced eggplant. In other words, it’s not your average reheated tray mystery.

Velocity Members: This One’s For You

Frequent flyers, your time has come.

From now until 30 June 2025, members of Virgin Australia’s Velocity program booking flights between Australia and Doha (VA1–29) will receive a 50% Status Credit bonus on travel from 1 October 2025 to 27 May 2026. This is particularly helpful, as from October, maintaining Velocity status will require earning at least 50% of Status Credits from Virgin-operated flights.

That’s not all. Velocity’s throwing in some spicy extras:

• Silver members: 50% bonus points
• Gold: 75% bonus points
• Platinum: 100% bonus points

Add to that Business Class upgrades using Points (from July), US$20 food vouchers at Hamad International, priority lounge access across key airports, complimentary seat selection, and generous baggage allowances.

In essence, Gold is the new black.

Boosting More Than Just Seats

If you thought this was just about moving people, think again.

The Virgin–Qatar alliance is expected to inject more than $3 billion into the Australian economy over the next five years, primarily through increased tourism, higher international visitation, and increased business travel.

It’s also expected to create hundreds of jobs across aviation, tourism, hospitality and training. It will provide Virgin’s pilots and cabin crew with opportunities for long-haul experience through secondments with Qatar Airways.

As Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer put it:

“This milestone moment reflects months of meticulous planning and our shared ambition to deliver increased competition and world-class service to Australian passengers.”

Translated: It’s a game-changer. And one that puts pressure on other carriers to lift their tray tables — and their standards.

Limited-Time Celebration Fares

Virgin is marking its return with celebration fares that sound more like a birthday sale than a significant aviation move.

From June 10 to June 30, select flights from Australia to Doha and beyond to Europe are available for up to 15% off, for travel between October 16, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

As with all good things, it’s first in, best dressed — or in this case, best seated.

A Symbolic Return

For Virgin Australia, this isn’t just a new service — it’s a symbolic renaissance. A nod to its roots as an ambitious international player, and a bold, belated return to the long-haul theatre after years in the domestic wings.

From economy flyers with a wanderlust itch to business-class regulars hunting a suite in the sky, Virgin’s Sydney–Doha service offers something for everyone — and reminds us that aviation, when done right, is still one of the most glamorous forms of transport.

So buckle up, recline responsibly, and toast with that complimentary sparkling. Virgin Australia is officially back in the international game.

For more information or to book, contact your preferred Travel Advisor or visit virginaustralia.com.

 

#VirginAustralia #DohaFlights #DaveEmerson #QatarAirways #LongHaulTravel #AviationNews #VelocityFrequentFlyer

By Michelle Warner

 

 

 

==================================