VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: New international flights to Doha released

The ACCC’s interim approval of the tie-up between Virgin Australia (VA) wet-leasing Qatar Airways jets to recommence long-haul international flying allows VA to release its new flights to Doha.

These Virgin Australia flights using crew and aircraft from Qatar Airways will commence in June 2025. They will be included in Qatar Airways‘ current flights and any additional flights that might be approved under a renewed bilateral agreement. Remember that in 2023, Qatar was rejected for additional capital city flights.

Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney will each receive two daily flights. Melbourne will have three flights, one via Adelaide. We have the details of the flights except those scheduled to and from Melbourne.

Virgin Australia flight numbers, but Qatar Airways jets and service

These new Flights will carry a VA flight code, so Velocity members can earn the maximum frequent flyer points and status credits.

Here are the flights. All use Boeing 777-300ERs according to the application to the Australian International Air Services Commission:

Sydney / Doha

• VA1 departs Sydney 14:50, arrives Doha 10:50
• VA2 departs Doha at 09:15, arrives Sydney 06:15 

Brisbane / Doha

• VA15 departs Brisbane 15:10, arrives Doha 23:00
• VA16 departs Doha at 01:40, arrives Brisbane 22.45 

 Perth / Doha

• VA21 departs Perth 03:20, arrives Doha 21:50
• VA22 departs Doha 19:50, arrived Perth 23.55

Qatar Airways flights and Virgin Australia codeshares

These flights will be on top of the current Qatar Airways flights, which also carry Virgin Australia codeshare numbers. These flights are scheduled as follows, making up two daily flights from the above Australian cities. The flights are on Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s – as indicated:

Sydney to Doha

• QR909 (VA6131) departs Sydney 20:45, arrives Doha 16:55 (Airbus A380)
• QR908 (VA6130) departs Doha 22:05, arrives into Sydney 17:10 (Airbus A380)

Brisbane to Doha

• QR899 (VA6133) departs Brisbane 22:15, arrives Doha 06:00 (Boeing 777 – Qsuites)
• QR898 (VA6132) departs Doha 20.:25, arrives Brisbane 05:30  (Boeing 777 – Qsuites)

 Perth to Doha

• QR901 (VA6129) departs Perth 22:45pm, arrives Doha 05:20  (Airbus A380)
• QR900 (VA6128) departs Doha 02:45am, arrives Perth 06:45 (Airbus A380)

Onboard facilities and Lounge access

Since all the flights are on Qatar Airways metal and with their crews, you can also expect their service. We presume Virgin Australia will not heavily invest in its own branding onboard. Some of the services might be tweaked to reflect some Virgin Australia branding, but Virgin Australia has yet to release such details.

Most Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER aircraft are fitted with Business Class QSuites, although there is no guarantee that they will be used for the VA services.

Qatar also offers free and fast StarLink WiFi on most of its 777s, so we can hope for that.

Lounge access is a bit interesting. Unfortunately, just because Qatar is a OneWorld alliance member, don’t expect a Virgin ticket to get you access to the Qantas First Lounge. Cross that off your Christmas list now! You only get Oneworld lounge access if an alliance member operates or markets the departing flight. Virgin Australia is not a member of OneWorld.

Virgin Australia must arrange international lounge access for its premium flyers on these routes in all the serviced capital cities. Qantas and Emirates are out as they are competitors, but could the Air New Zealand lounge be in? Alternatively, The House by Aspire, or even the Skyteam or Plaza Premium lounges? You’ll know when we know.

2PAXfly Takeout

This new, effective alliance between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways is really going to challenge Emirates and Qantas’ dominance on international routes out of Australia. I’m looking forward to the service, price, and capacity war that might accompany the competition.

Don’t underestimate Virgin Australia’s move. It’s potentially a game-changer. Let me use myself as an example.

Part of my loyalty to Qantas is the ability to redeem points for Business Class, especially First Class seats on Qantas and Emirates flights. With redeemable premium seats at classic rewards rates rare as hens’ teeth on Qantas, my loyalty may be challenged.

I earn a lot of points by flying domestically. One of the reasons I remain loyal to Qantas is that I hate Virgin Australia’s T2 terminal in Sydney. If they upgrade T2 in Sydney, my home airport, as scheduled for completion by 2026, my Qantas loyalty may waiver.

The prospect of earning my points and status with Virgin Australia and redeeming them for what are effectively Qatar Airways flights might be overwhelming.

Get the popcorn. The next twelve months of international flying out of Australia could be very interesting.