Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways have formed a strategic partnership, allowing Australian travelers to book Virgin flights to Qatar and beyond, starting June 12, 2025, with Qatar Airways holding a 25% stake in Virgin.

This collaboration includes a new business class experience on Doha to Sydney flights, with Melbourne services beginning December 1, 2025, and an increase of 28 weekly flights connecting major Australian cities to Doha.

The partnership enhances connectivity for Australian travelers, offering access to over 170 destinations worldwide through Qatar Airways' expanding network, which now includes Oman Air, a recent addition to the Oneworld alliance.

Qatar Airways' Qsuite, featuring a 1-2-1 seating layout, privacy sliding doors, and customizable configurations, has received high praise and is considered a strong competitor to Qantas for Middle Eastern and European routes.

Passengers in Qsuite enjoy luxurious amenities, including gourmet dining options with a 'dine-on-demand' menu by chef Ross Lusted, entertainment through the Oryx One system, and free Starlink Wi-Fi during flights.

Business class travelers benefit from generous baggage allowances of up to 40kg and two cabin pieces totaling 15kg, with ticket prices starting around $8,000, positioning Qatar Airways competitively in the premium market.

Check-in is managed via Virgin Australia, while Qatar Airways operates the flights, ensuring a seamless travel experience, with Qatar's daily Boeing 777-300ER flights utilizing the Qsuite.

The partnership will significantly boost Australian connectivity by adding 28 weekly flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane to Doha, facilitating easier access to global destinations.

This alliance is part of Qatar Airways' broader strategy to expand its presence in Australia, especially as it seeks to bypass previous restrictions and strengthen its market position.

Virgin Australia is also committed to sustainability, investing in fleet modernization and sustainable aviation fuels, in collaboration with Qatar Airways.

Oman Air's recent entry into the Oneworld alliance on July 1, 2025, allows Qantas Frequent Flyer members to earn and redeem points on Oman Air flights, further enriching the alliance's travel options.

For Australian travelers, Oman offers an attractive stopover destination with visa-free entry for up to 14 days, adding cultural and scenic value to their journey.

Travelers can maximize frequent flyer points through strategies like co-branded credit cards, airline shopping malls, and banking points within the most beneficial airline alliances.