Qatar Airways has announced the return of daily flights to Canberra, operating via Melbourne to Doha’s Hamad International Airport. This will provide Canberrans with access to over 170 destinations through Qatar Airways’ global network.
While no timeline has been given, the flights will commence no later than December 2025. This announcement is expected to boost connectivity, competition, and economic opportunities for Canberra and the surrounding regions.
The flights will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring Qatar Airways’ award-winning Q-suite Business Class cabin and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all passengers.
The airline ceased operations to Canberra during the COVID pandemic, making this return a highly anticipated development.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasised the airline’s commitment to Canberra and Australia. “We are delighted to be able to serve Canberra once again. The nation’s capital, the political heart of Australia, rightly expects to be served by a range of international airlines, and I am proud that we are able to play our part in that. Whether travelling for business, government services or leisure, our commitment to Australia, and to Canberra, is one that we know will bring much-needed healthy competition to the market and greater choice for passengers.”
Canberra Airport CEO, Mr. Stephen Byron, celebrated the return of Qatar Airways as a pivotal moment for the region. “The return of Qatar Airways marks an exciting and pivotal moment for Canberra and our surrounding regions. 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,” he said.
“We believe that providing a greater choice of carriers and destinations not only makes prices more competitive but also opens up boundless opportunities for our community, connecting our city to the rest of the world. These opportunities are not just about enhancing connectivity; they’re about strengthening business connections, driving economic development, and creating jobs, as well as fostering tourism and attracting international students to our vibrant city.”
ACT Chief Minister, Mr. Andrew Barr, echoed these sentiments, noting the importance of the announcement for tourism and the broader economy. “It’s a timely boost to our local tourism industry with aviation access being the biggest driver to growth in the sector, and it’s great news for Canberrans wanting to travel overseas, particularly to Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East,” he said.
“Qatar Airways’ return will benefit the whole Canberra region, providing tourism, trade, investment and a range of business opportunities. It will also make an important contribution towards the Government’s goal of growing our tourism economy to AU$5 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030.”
For more information and bookings, visit qatarairways.com.
