Qatar Airways is set to resume daily flights to Canberra, Australia, starting December 2025, marking a significant boost for the Australian capital’s connectivity and tourism. These flights, routed through Melbourne and utilizing Boeing 777 aircraft featuring the airline’s acclaimed Q-suite Business Class and Starlink Wi-Fi, will connect Canberra to over 170 destinations globally via Hamad International Airport in Doha. This move comes after a pandemic-related suspension and signifies Qatar Airways’ commitment to the Australian market.
The relaunch is a major win for Canberra Airport and the wider region. Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron emphasized the significance of this development, highlighting the increased access for over a million residents to global destinations and the potential to attract more international tourists, students, and businesses. The ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, echoed this sentiment, stating that the return of Qatar Airways is a timely boost to Canberra’s tourism industry, aligning perfectly with the government’s ambitious goal of reaching AU$5 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030. This aligns with current trends emphasizing sustainable tourism and international travel recovery post-pandemic.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, expressed enthusiasm, stating that providing a range of international airlines in Australia’s capital is crucial. The enhanced competition brought about by this service is expected to benefit consumers through better pricing and more choices. This also plays into the current global discourse surrounding increased air travel competitiveness and the need for diverse flight options.
This news comes at a time when air travel is experiencing significant recovery and an increased focus on international routes. The partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia, pending regulatory approval, further strengthens this positive outlook. This alliance would provide seamless connectivity to various destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, enhancing both airlines’ market positions and offering passengers more rewarding frequent flyer program benefits. The addition of Starlink Wi-Fi, a popular current technology, adds to the appeal of the service, appealing to the tech-savvy traveler. This partnership underlines the broader trend of airline collaborations to expand reach and offer comprehensive travel solutions, a key aspect of current industry developments.
The Canberra route’s resumption underscores the strategic importance of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory for Qatar Airways. The focus on business, tourism, and governmental travel positions this service perfectly for capturing various market segments. By linking Canberra to Doha, a major global hub, Qatar Airways is opening doors for significant economic growth and development in the region, which is in line with the global economic priorities emphasizing interconnectedness and sustainable growth. The positive economic impact is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and foster further international collaboration. The benefits are expected to contribute towards various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to sustainable tourism, economic growth and reduced inequalities in travel accessibility.
In summary, the return of Qatar Airways to Canberra represents a significant development in Australia’s aviation sector and presents numerous benefits for Canberra, its residents, and the broader Australian economy, further emphasizing the importance of global connectivity and strategic partnerships in a post-pandemic world.
