Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to Qatar

Direct flight routes to Qatar

Non-stop flights between Australasia and Qatar are limited but available from major cities.

• Melbourne (MEL) to Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways – 14h 25m


• Sydney (SYD) to Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways – 14h 45m


• Perth (PER) to Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways – 11h 25m


• Auckland (AKL) to Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways – 17h 40m

Layover/stopover options

Singapore (SIN): Primary hub for Singapore Airlines with efficient 90-minute minimum connections. Features world-class amenities and free city tours for longer layovers.

Dubai (DXB): Emirates’ main hub offering multiple daily connections to Doha. Known for extensive duty-free shopping and average 2-hour connection times.

Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia hub with budget-friendly options. Typical connections of 2-3 hours and excellent airport lounges.

Bangkok (BKK): Thai Airways hub offering competitive fares. Features 24-hour services and average connection times of 2 hours.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but offer significant time savings. Layover options through Asian hubs can reduce costs by 20-40% but add 4-8 hours to total journey time.

Tips and recommendations

• Book direct flights 6-8 months ahead for best rates, especially during peak seasons


• Consider Singapore or Dubai stopovers for breaking up long journey with 24-48 hour stays at minimal extra cost


• Mid-week departures typically offer lower fares than weekend flights


• Multiple-carrier bookings through Asian hubs often offer lowest fares but require separate check-ins


• Qatar Airways frequently offers transit accommodation in Doha for long layovers

• Malaysia Airlines offers consistently lower fares from Adelaide and Perth to Doha via Kuala Lumpur, with prices typically 15-20% below direct flights. Their A330-300s feature a generous 32-inch pitch in economy, and the 6-8 hour break in KL allows for comfortable transit timing. The airline’s recent partnership with Qatar Airways enables seamless connections and baggage transfer.
• Flying from Melbourne or Sydney, the Thai Airways route via Bangkok combines competitive pricing with superior comfort on their retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The airline’s current promotion offers return fares from AUD 1,450, which is about 25% below market average, while their new Premium Economy product provides 38-inch pitch at just 60% of business class prices.
• For New Zealand departures, Singapore Airlines’ Auckland-Singapore-Doha routing provides excellent value with their frequent flyer program earning rates. The carrier’s A350-900 aircraft feature enhanced air filtration and humidity control, making the long-haul journey more comfortable, while their partnership with Qatar Airways allows one-stop check-in from Auckland.
• Budget-conscious travelers from Brisbane should consider Philippine Airlines via Manila, offering fares up to 30% lower than direct services. Despite longer transit times, their newly configured A330s provide comfortable 32-inch pitch seats and full-service amenities, plus the option to include a Manila stopover at no additional airfare cost.
• For Darwin-based travelers, Batik Air’s new connection via Denpasar to Doha provides an economical alternative with fares starting from AUD 1,200 return. The short hop to Bali followed by a Qatar Airways codeshare flight offers significant savings, while maintaining full-service benefits and generous baggage allowances.

1. Ignoring alternative routes via Southeast Asia Many travelers default to Gulf carrier direct flights while missing potentially cheaper options via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur with airlines like Singapore Airlines or Malaysia Airlines.
2. Booking during major sports events Flight prices to Doha spike dramatically during major sporting events like F1 races or international football tournaments, yet many travelers fail to check the local events calendar before booking.
3. Not utilizing Hamad International’s free city tours During long layovers in Doha, passengers often stay at the airport instead of taking advantage of Qatar Airways’ complimentary city tours for transit passengers with 5+ hour connections.
4. Underestimating summer heat for connections Travelers frequently book tight connections in Doha during summer months (June-September), not accounting for potential delays due to extreme heat affecting flight operations.
5. Missing out on stopover programs Many travelers overlook Qatar Airways’ stopover program which offers heavily discounted luxury hotel rates for passengers breaking their journey in Doha for a few days.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Direct flights and exceptional service quality from multiple Australian cities.

Operates from 5 Australasian airports to Doha (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Auckland), offering the only direct services on these routes. Their modern fleet features comfortable Economy seats with 32-33 inch pitch and good recline. Award-winning dining includes regional specialties and special meal options. Consistently rated above 4/5 by passengers for their attentive service and entertainment selection.

Emirates

Best for: Convenient one-stop connections via Dubai with excellent entertainment.

Serves 6 Australasian airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Christchurch) with connections to Doha via Dubai. Their Economy class offers 32-34 inch pitch seats and extensive entertainment options with 4,500+ channels. Well-regarded meal service includes regionally inspired menus. Regular passenger ratings average 4/5, with entertainment and crew service receiving particular praise.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Premium Economy experience and superior legroom in regular Economy.

Operates from 3 major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) with connections through Abu Dhabi. Offers generous 33-inch seat pitch in Economy, among the best in class. Quality dining program features multiple choices and special dietary options. Passenger ratings average 3.8/5, with seat comfort and cabin cleanliness consistently highlighted.

Singapore Airlines

Best for: Superior transit experience via Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Flies from 7 Australasian airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, and Auckland) connecting through Singapore. Economy class features 32-inch pitch seats with ergonomic design. Distinguished for its excellent meal service and attentive cabin crew. Maintains 4.2/5 average passenger rating, particularly praised for service consistency and cleanliness.

Using regional carriers to save on Australasia-Qatar routes

Savvy travelers can significantly reduce costs on flights between Australasia and Qatar by strategically using Asian regional carriers instead of booking direct routes. This multi-leg approach requires more planning but can result in substantial savings.

Key strategy components

1. Book separate tickets with budget Asian carriers to major hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok
2. Connect from these hubs to Qatar using Middle Eastern or Asian full-service carriers
3. Consider carriers like AirAsia X, Scoot, or Jetstar for the first leg

Money-saving tips

Book the Asia-Qatar leg first, then work backward to find connecting flights from Australia or New Zealand. Major savings opportunities often arise when combining Malaysia Airlines or Thai Airways with budget carriers for the initial leg. Allow at least six hours between flights when self-connecting, and remember to collect and recheck baggage.

Consider timing your journey during shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November) when regional carriers frequently offer promotional fares. Booking separate tickets can save up to 40% compared to single-ticket options, even after accounting for baggage fees and airport transfers.