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All of Virgin Australia’s wet-leased Qatar Airways services to Doha have been cancelled for at least the next two months.
Flights VA1 through VA22, including services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, are cancelled up to and including 15 June as Qatar Airways continues to operate a limited schedule amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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The Doha services, operated by Qatar Airways 777-300ERs, normally fly 28 times per week and were intended as a way for Virgin to test the waters for a return to long-haul travel.
According to Virgin’s website, “affected guests are being contacted directly, and where possible, alternative flights are being provided”.
“Qatar Airways is gradually increasing flights to and from Doha through dedicated flight corridors established in coordination with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority,” the airline said.
“Qatar Airways is posting updates on its website. Anyone planning to travel to the region should check the Australian government’s Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice.
“For guests booked on Virgin Australia’s Doha services with original travel dates up to and including 15 June 2026, where an alternative provided flight is unsuitable, we are offering free booking changes to the same destination for travel up to 31 October 2026, or a travel credit or refund.”
Qatar Airways itself is currently operating Australia services only to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, with Brisbane to recommence on 16 May as it gradually rebuilds its destination network.
In its latest statement on 1 April, the airline noted its schedules are “subject to change or cancellation due to operational, regulatory, safety, or other circumstances beyond our control”.
“All flights to, and from, Doha continue to operate through dedicated flight corridors established in close co-ordination with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority,” the carrier said.
“Our teams are doing everything within the current constraints to ensure our passengers reach their destinations. We deeply apologise for any inconvenience caused during this period of disruption and thank our passengers for their patience and understanding.”
Virgin last month suspended the second tranche of its crew secondment program with Qatar Airways due to the Iran crisis. Around 20 pilots and 20 cabin staff were sent to Qatar last year for the secondments, which accompany Virgin’s wet-lease deal.
Melbourne in December became the final major Australian gateway to receive Virgin’s Doha services, following Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth in June last year.
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