Aussies to save big on international flights in major move by Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways

Aussies are set to revel in big savings after Virgin Australia tripled the amount of flights available for purchase with Velocity rewards on a string of new services.

Virgin Australia has tripled the number of available Reward Seats for Velocity members for flights between Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha.

The flights, with a travel period spanning June 12 and December 10, 2025, come following a new partnership between Virgin and Qatar Airways launched in December last year.

Passengers will fly on Qatar Airways Boeing 777, with Velocity chief executive officer Nick Rohrlach saying Qatar Airways had lots of connections to destinations in Europe and the Middle East, giving Aussies the perfect opportunity to “get that bucket list trip to amazing destinations”.

“We’ve seen obviously over the last few years people are really prioritising travel, so we’ve seen travel demand really strong,” Mr Rohrlach told NewsWire.

He said Virgin’s latest move was an “investment to cater to that really strong demand”, with 97 per cent of Velocity members reporting Reward Seats as their most preferred way to redeem points.

He urged Aussies to build up Velocity points through a range of ways, including earning Flybuys and even filling up cars at 7/11.

The new flights, set to take off with Qatar’s “award-winning aircraft”, would feature high-speed internet service Starlink, Mr Rohrlach said.

Economy one-way reward seats from Perth to Doha can be redeemed for 42,000 points, while trips to Doha from Sydney and Brisbane can be redeemed for 56,000 points.

Business reward seats from Perth to Doha will set Aussies back 89,500 reward points, while the same trip from Sydney or Brisbane will cost 119,500 reward points.

Fees, taxes and carrier charges are not included.

Virgin Australia Group chief executive officer Jayne Hrdlicka earlier said the partnership with Qatar was a “huge win” for travellers and brought forth more value and choice for international travel.

The move allowed Virgin to begin long haul flights.

“Partnering with Qatar Airways means we’re delivering the gold standard in global travel – seamless connections and world-class service – and increasing market competition to provide better value and fares. Exploring the world has never been more accessible,” Ms Hrdlicka said.

“This partnership is a critical piece in Virgin Australia’s long-term strategy and a huge vote of confidence in Australian aviation, further strengthening Virgin Australia’s long-term competitiveness and growth of the aviation industry in Australia.”