Qatar Airways will re-launch daily flights to Canberra in December 2025, operating via Melbourne from Hamad International Airport in Doha.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.Flights are available to book now, starting outbound from Canberra on 2 December 2025. Flight QF989 will disembark Canberra Airport at 1:10pm with a 1 hour and 45 minute transit in Melbourne. The inbound service will similarly transit in Melbourne for 1.45 hours, and arrive in CBR at 8:50am.Qatar Airways ceased operations to Canberra during the COVID pandemic. The previous operation flew via Sydney International Airport.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group said: “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.”Stephen Byron, CEO of Canberra Airport highlighted the importance of the rekindled service 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.”Andrew Barr, ACT Chief Minister, said today’s announcement that Qatar will resume international flights out of Canberra (via Melbourne) is great news going into a big five years for tourism.“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.”Today’s announcement builds on the launch of sales of Virgin Australia’s new services from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne** to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, operated on Qatar Airways aircraft.
The Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia partnership, pending final regulatory approval, positions Virgin Australia to strongly compete in the international travel market, delivering increased competition, improved connectivity, and enhanced customer choice.Qatar Airways is continuing to work closely with Virgin Australia to progress the remaining regulatory approvals on the proposed partnership.The flights are on sale now. Note the new Melbourne flights will be on sale on January 2025 and will commence in December 2025.
