DOHA – Qatar Airways (QR) will resume daily flights from Melbourne to Canberra (CBR) in December 2025, following a four-year gap. The daily service will be flown by a Boeing 777, including Qsuite Business Class and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.
This is a key milestone for the airline, as it hopes to connect the Australian capital to its extensive worldwide network of over 170 destinations via its Hamad International Airport (DOH) base. Following this announcement, Canberra will be Qatar Airways’ sixth destination in Australia.
Qatar Airways Canberra Flights
Qatar Airways began flights to Canberra via Sydney (SYD) in 2018, but the route was discontinued in early 2020 owing to the COVID-19 epidemic. A scheduled relaunch in 2022 via Melbourne was delayed and then cancelled, apparently due to operational issues and unresolved agreements with ground handling providers.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, stressed the route’s importance, saying, “We are thrilled to be able to service Canberra once again. The nation’s capital, the political heart of Australia, rightfully deserves to be supplied by a variety of foreign airlines.
Whether flying for business, government services, or leisure, our commitment to Canberra will provide much-needed healthy competition and more options for customers.”
The service is projected to improve Canberra’s connectivity to key worldwide destinations, including those in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron welcomed Qatar Airways’ return as a “pivotal moment,” noting that it will create opportunities for more than one million residents in the region.
“This service not only connects users to a global network, but it also promotes economic development, job creation, and tourism. It improves connectivity and strengthens commercial linkages while contributing to the government’s target of AU$5 billion in visitor spending by 2030.”
Qatar Airways – Virgin Atlantic Partnership
The reinstated route also corresponds with Qatar Airways’ existing collaboration with Virgin Australia (VA), subject to regulatory permissions. This agreement will provide seamless connectivity for passengers traveling from Canberra to over 100 destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Loyalty members of both Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer programs can enjoy additional perks, including as earning and redeeming points and reciprocal lounge access.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr welcomed the announcement, emphasizing its good influence on local tourism and foreign student recruitment.
He stated that “Aviation access is the largest driver of growth in the sector.” Qatar Airways’ comeback will benefit the entire Canberra region by increasing tourist, trade, and investment opportunities.