Direct flights between Canberra and Doha may be making a comeback as revealed in a recent submission to an inquiry regarding a potential partnership between Virgin and Qatar Airways. The submission outlined plans to add 28 return flights to Doha from major Australian cities, including Canberra as a potential new gateway port.
Previously, Qatar Airways operated a daily direct service from Canberra to Doha via Sydney in 2018, but the service was impacted by the pandemic and never resumed. The potential new proposal has been met with optimism by Canberra Airport, with hopes that the increased competition resulting from the partnership would benefit passengers, particularly in the corporate and government sectors.
Michael Thomson, the head of aviation at Canberra Airport, highlighted the potential benefits of the partnership, noting that it would provide an alternative to Qantas, which currently dominates the market for flights from Canberra. The deal would involve Qatar Airways purchasing a 25% stake in Virgin, with final approvals expected in March pending review by the Foreign Investment Review Board.
The news of the potential direct flights to Doha has generated interest and excitement among travelers, eager for more options when flying to the Middle East. The resumption of these flights would not only provide convenience but also open up new opportunities for business and leisure travelers alike.
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As we await the final approvals for the proposed partnership between Virgin and Qatar Airways, the potential return of direct flights between Canberra and Doha offers a glimmer of hope for travelers and the aviation industry as a whole. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops, and remember to support independent journalism for trusted news coverage.
