Qatar Airways has announced the return of daily flights to Canberra, marking a major milestone for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and reconnecting the city to its global network.
The flights, commencing in December 2025, will operate via Melbourne to Doha, offering seamless connectivity to over 170 destinations worldwide.
World-class travel options for Canberra passengers
The new route will be serviced by Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring the award-winning Q-suite Business Class cabin and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all passengers. Hamad International Airport in Doha, the airline’s hub, has been consistently ranked as the World’s Best Airport and offers travellers a world-class stopover experience.
Qatar Airways ceased flights to Canberra during the pandemic, making this reinstatement a significant step for the airline and the ACT. Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer expressed enthusiasm about reconnecting with Canberra, noting the importance of serving Australia’s political heart:
“The nation’s capital rightly expects to be served by a range of international airlines, and we are proud to play our part in bringing greater choice and healthy competition to the market,” he said.
Boost for Canberra’s tourism and economy
Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron celebrated the return of Qatar Airways, highlighting its far-reaching benefits:
“This service not only provides over a million residents access to a global network spanning more than 170 destinations but also invites the world to rediscover Canberra’s unique cultural, educational, and tourism offerings,” Byron said.
He emphasised the impact of the service on business connections, economic development, job creation, and tourism.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr echoed these sentiments, pointing to the significance of aviation access for the region’s growth:
“It’s great news for Canberrans wanting to travel overseas, particularly to Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East. Qatar Airways’ return will help achieve our goal of growing Canberra’s tourism economy to AU$5 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030,” Barr said.
Strengthening global partnerships
The announcement aligns with Qatar Airways’ partnership with Virgin Australia, which is expected to enhance customer choice, improve connectivity, and drive competition in the Australian market. Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty members will also enjoy expanded benefits, including lounge access and reward opportunities on the Canberra services.
