Australians will soon have a direct flight option from Brisbane to the beautiful shores of the Persian Gulf, thanks to a new route unveiled by Virgin Australia.
Launching on Thursday, Virgin Australia will commence flights from Brisbane to Hamad International Airport in Doha, in partnership with Qatar Airways.
Dave Emerson, CEO of Virgin Australia, stated that these flights signify “the start of a new chapter” for both the airline and international travel into Australia.
“Collaborating with Qatar Airways allows us to not only introduce new routes but also opens up a world of possibilities for millions of Australians, enhancing choice, value, and providing a smooth global travel experience,” he added.
“This alliance boosts Australia’s international connectivity while creating jobs, increasing tourism, and infusing billions into the national economy.”
Hamad International Airport serves 48 airlines and facilitates the transit of millions of travelers every month.
Queensland’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Powell, remarked that the new flight route will establish Queensland as a key access point connecting Australia to the rest of the globe.
“These flights will attract more tourists, allowing them to experience all that Queensland has to offer, providing affordable access to our communities, and boosting business for tourism operators in the area,” he stated.
By December of this year, approximately 2.65 million passengers are anticipated to travel from Australia to Doha, as Virgin aims to enhance “market competitiveness and provide extensive options for Australian travellers heading to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.”
Gert-Jan de Graaff, the CEO of Brisbane Airport, welcomed the introduction of the flights.
“This represents the most substantial increase in capacity between Queensland and Europe in the last two years, and we are optimistic that these new daily flights will elevate tourism, strengthen international relationships, and assist Queensland’s exporters,” he said.
“This is excellent news for the airline based in Brisbane, and even better news for travelers and the tourism industry in Queensland.”
Tickets are now available for purchase, with discounts of up to 15% for specific travel dates from October 16 through March 31 next year.
