Virgin Australia suspends Doha flight until mid-June

All of Virgin Australia’s wet-leased Qatar Airways services to Doha have been cancelled for at least the next two months.

Virgin Australia flights VA1 through VA22, including services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, are cancelled up to and including the 15th of June as Qatar Airways continues to operate a limited schedule amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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 the 15th of June 2026, where an alternative provided flight is unsuitable, we are offering free booking changes to the same destination for travel up to the 31st of October 2026, or a travel credit or refund.”

Qatar Airways is currently operating Australia services only to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, with Brisbane to recommence on the 16th of May as it gradually rebuilds its destination network.