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Qatar Airways to launch Doha flights from Western Sydney International Airport in late 2027
Qatar Airways has announced plans to commence flights from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) to Doha, with the first services scheduled to begin in late 2027. The airline will operate three weekly flights between WSI and Hamad International Airport in Doha, with plans to increase to daily services by the end of 2028. This makes Qatar Airways the fifth foreign carrier to serve Australia's newest airport, following Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Vietjet, and Fiji Airways. The announcement was made in a statement by the airline, with CEO Hamad Al Khater highlighting that the 24-hour operation of WSI will enable the airline to bring more international visitors to New South Wales. The flights will use Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, arriving at WSI at 11:45pm and departing at 4:10pm the following day. The government had previously approved seven weekly services through WSI, and the airport has used its $16 million International Take-Off Fund to support Qatar's launch. Aviation expert Rico Merkert noted that Qatar's late launch date may be strategic, allowing the new airport to establish itself before increasing flight frequency. He also suggested that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have led some travellers to avoid the region, might be a factor in the timing. Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King praised the connection to Doha, one of the world's busiest international airports, stating it would provide Western Sydney travellers with access to global destinations. WSI CEO Simon Hickey highlighted that the announcement means travellers will have access to over 250 global destinations within the first 14 months of the airport's operation. Tickets for the Qatar flights will go on sale in December 2026. The airport, which opened in October 2026, has already seen Jetstar operate its first commercial flight, with Qantas also offering domestic services. The development is seen as a significant boost for WSI, Australia's first major greenfield international airport in over five decades.