MIRD: Up to 50% more flights between Australia and Qatar

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the extra flights will be a boost for our tourism industry, with many travellers utilising Doha as a hub on their way from destinations throughout Europe into Australia.

"The new arrangements provide for an immediate 50% increase in available capacity between Qatar and Australia's major gateway locations of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth," Mr Truss said.

"It will allow for up to 21 flights each week, each way, for airlines of both countries to the major gateways, catering for growth in the Australia-Qatar and Australia-Europe routes.

"Under our air services arrangements with Qatar, airlines can also operate unlimited services between Qatar and regional locations, such as Darwin, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Cairns."

Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb said the new provisions will provide greater market accessibility for Australian exporters.

"Airline connectivity plays a vital role in growing Australia's premium agricultural trade of fresh products like dairy, horticulture and meats," Mr Robb said.

"Qatar Airways is likely to commence a daily service between Sydney and Doha, which will allow businesses to quickly and efficiently move produce to global markets.

"The Australian Government remains committed to removing barriers to trade and ensuring that we have the aviation capacity necessary to meet future demand."

Minister for Tourism and International Education Senator Richard Colbeck also welcomed the announcement.

"The new daily entitlement will strengthen aviation links with the region, and support the Government's Tourism 2020 strategy by facilitating greater visitor numbers from the Gulf, the subcontinent and our mature European markets like the UK, France and Germany."

Qatar Airways currently operates a daily service between Doha and both Melbourne and Perth.